Spain’s Renfe group enters US with $6bn high-speed rail contract

Spain’s state-owned high-speed rail operator, Renfe, has begun work on America’s first high-speed railway, in Texas.

The 386km line will connect Houston and Dallas/Fort Worth, giving riders a 90-minute trip.

Italy’s Salini Impregilo is building the line for private equity rail operator, Central Texas, but Renfe has been contracted to supervise and consult in the design and construction phase – lasting to 2026 – and will then operate and maintain the line until 2042.

Renfe will get €311m for work in the design and construction phase and expects revenues of more than €5.6bn from the operational phase, the company said. 

The agreement between Renfe and Central Texas was reached last year.

Renfe said it has already signed a pre-agreement and the contract is being drafted.

Image courtesy of Renfe

Further reading:

• Salini Impregilo wins $14bn high-speed rail deal in Texas
• Japan lends $300m for Texas high-speed railway