€52.8 Billion Needed for Transport, Water and Maintenance
The Association of Infrastructure Construction and Concession Companies (Seopan) has called for €52.838 billion in investment in Catalonia over the next ten years to modernise and maintain key infrastructure. The figure was presented on Monday 26th October 2026 at the forum 'Key infrastructures for the development of Catalonia', co-hosted with the Chamber of Construction Contractors of Catalonia in Barcelona. Of the total, €34.443 billion would fund new infrastructure and the adaptation of existing facilities across transport, water, environment, and public health. Transport would receive the largest share at €21.973 billion, followed by hydraulic infrastructure at €9.530 billion, public health facilities at €2.107 billion, and environmental projects at €823 million. The remaining €18.395 billion is earmarked for the conservation and maintenance of road, rail, and hydraulic networks.
Road Resurfacing and Rail Networks Face Deficits
Seopan highlighted that Catalonia ranks sixth in Spain for the largest investment deficit in road resurfacing. Despite meeting 94% of the technical maintenance threshold, the association says annual conservation investment must increase by up to €25 million to close the gap. According to Seopan president Julián Núñez, the €52.8 billion figure represents a minimum requirement for Catalonia to maintain competitive infrastructure. He stressed that two-thirds of new investment should go to transport networks, including €13.887 billion for rail improvements such as Rodalies upgrades, the orbital line, metro works, the Mediterranean Corridor, and airport connections at El Prat. Other transport allocations include €2.883 billion for road networks, particularly highways and bypasses, €1.760 billion for airport infrastructure, and €1.5 billion for port facilities.
Water and Climate Resilience Require Major Funding
Hydraulic infrastructure needs total €9.530 billion, with €5.446 billion directed to urban water cycles including sanitation, purification, supply, and compliance with EU wastewater directives. An additional €1.820 billion is needed for sustainable drainage, €489 million for water cycle monitoring, and €440 million for climate change adaptation. For maintenance, water systems are the most urgent, requiring €12.043 billion for reservoirs, aquifers, and urban supply and sanitation networks. Road maintenance would need €4.555 billion, and rail renewal €1.797 billion.
These figures represent the minimum investment needed for Catalonia to have competitive, resilient infrastructure over the next decade.
Call for Reform in Public Procurement and Road Pricing
Seopan is urging reforms to public sector procurement regulations to "guarantee budgets and deadlines for new investments". It also advocates for a road pricing model to help address the persistent shortfall in road maintenance funding. The association warns that without sustained investment, Catalonia risks falling behind in connectivity, environmental resilience, and public service delivery.
Sources: viaempresa.cat, El Nacional.
