Tenerife and Gran Canaria are set to undergo a major overhaul of their transport systems after agreeing to proceed with railway plans.

       A landmark meeting this week between the Canary Islands Government and the cabildos of both islands saw all parties agree to sign a protocol outlining the necessary guarantees for the development of the projects.

       Rosa Dávila, President of the Tenerife Cabildo, explained how this is the first time the islands have been so close to securing funding for the transport.

       She said: “The meeting marks a historic milestone in the development of railway systems in Tenerife and Gran Canaria, solidifying the State’s firm commitment to these strategic infrastructures.

       “Never before have we been this close to securing funding and obtaining a declaration of general interest for projects that will be key to a modern and sustainable transport model for our islands.”

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       Ms Dávila said the meeting resulted from a year of intensive technical work and coordination across different administrations. She emphasises that the agreement to sign the protocol is the first concrete step towards making the railways a reality.

       Regional Minister for Public Works, Housing, and Mobility Pablo Rodríguez echoed the significance of the meeting, stating how the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has demonstrated clear and decisive support for railway infrastructure in the Canary Islands.

       Mr Rodríguez also added how there would be an opportunity to integrate the funds and logistics into national legislation to secure a financial agreement with the Spanish State. This would ensure more financial stability for the long-term project.

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       Following the meeting, Ms Dávila announced a key agreement reached by all parties was the financial plan. A multi-year agreement spanning ten years would be in place, potentially extending to 17 years to provide economic stability.

       The islands also push for incorporating the Canary Islands’ railway systems into the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). The key integration could see external funding, potentially covering up to 70% of the required infrastructure costs.

       Secretary of State for Transport and Sustainable Mobility José Antonio Santano highlighted the State’s commitment to advancing transportation across the islands, describing the protocol as the proper method to define logistics.