The Ministry of Transportation and Sustainable Mobility, through Adif, has already begun laying the tracks that will bring commuter rail service to Soto del Real, one of the most populous towns in the Guadarrama Mountains in the Madrid region, by extending Line C-4b and constructing its corresponding station.
This construction phase begins after the restoration and modernization of the existing (and disused) old railway line between Colmenar Viejo and Soto del Real—spanning more than 10 kilometers—has been virtually completed.
Among the measures carried out, the railway right-of-way has also been widened to 13 meters,“so that in the future it can accommodate double tracks if demand makes it necessary,”according to the ministry led by Óscar Puente.
In the current phase of construction, which begins in Soto del Real and will gradually progress toward Colmenar Viejo, sleepers, rails, and ballast will be installed for the new railway infrastructure on which commuter trains will run.
Once the extension of Line C-4b is completed, it will provide access to this service not only for this town but also for others in the northern area, such as Miraflores de la Sierra and Guadalix de la Sierra.
A historic building, a new one, and a parking lot
To house the new station, Cercanías Soto Sur, the historic Soto del Real station building will be restored and remodeled to showcase its value: the building was constructed last century (in 1955) and has been designated a Site of Heritage Interest.
In this regard, the building’s original structures, elements, and design will be preserved, while its exterior will be restored. Inside, the 412.7 m² space will house the lobby, the ticket office, and restrooms.
In addition, Adif will also construct a 155.8 m² annex to the north to house the food court and will build a parking lot with 510 spaces, 16 of which will be reserved for people with reduced mobility (PRM). At the same time, both the station entrances and the surrounding area will be renovated.
In total, the overall investment in the project is approximately 75 million euros, and upon completion, it will strengthen the rail connection between the northern corridor of the Community of Madrid, as well as between Soto del Real and the Sierra Norte, and the Madrid metropolitan area.