The Barcelona orbital line () is a railway project forming part of both the ''Pla d'infraestructures de Catalunya'' (PITC),
[Catalonia infrastructure plan] a long-term development plan due for completion in 2026, and the ''Pla de transport de viatgers de Catalunya'' (PTVC),
[Catalonia passenger transport plan] a short-term plan due for completion in 2012. In following perimeter routes the orbital line and another railway project, the Eix Transversal Ferroviari de Catalunya,
[Catalan transversal railway line] are the first railway schemes to depart from the radial system developed so far in the Barcelona area.
[LA VANGUARDIA. Especials la Vanguardia: ''Grandes obras de progreso para Cataluña'', 2008.]
Also known as the Quart cinturó ferroviari,
[Fourth railway bypass] the orbital line will connect
Rodalies Barcelona services between
Vilanova i la Geltrú and
Mataró via a line passing through
Granollers,
Sabadell,
Terrassa,
Martorell and
Vilafranca del Penedès, but avoiding the actual city of Barcelona. Some sections will make use of existing track belonging to
Administrador de Infraestructuras Ferroviarias (Adif) and operated by
Renfe Operadora, whilst 68 km of track - of which in tunnels - and 23 new stations will be constructed.
Notes
References
{{Railway lines in Catalonia
Proposed railway lines in Spain
Railway lines in Catalonia
Rodalies de Catalunya lines
Transport in Alt Penedès
Transport in Baix Llobregat
Transport in Garraf
Transport in Maresme
Transport in Vallès Occidental
Transport in Vallès Oriental