France Launches Major High-Speed Rail Project Linking Bordeaux with Toulouse and Dax
France has officially launched construction on one of its largest infrastructure projects to date. Engineering firm Systra has secured a nine-year contract to oversee the development of a new high-speed railway line. This line will stretch 400 kilometers, connecting Bordeaux southward to both Toulouse and Dax.
A Strategic Link Transforming the Southwest
Known as the Grand Projet Ferroviaire du Sud-Ouest (GPSO), the development serves as a major extension of the existing Tours–Bordeaux high-speed rail line. This line began operations in 2017. The expansion is expected to significantly enhance regional connectivity, particularly across Occitanie and Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
When operational by 2032, the new line will reduce travel time between Paris and Toulouse by one full hour. It will bring the total journey down to 3 hours and 10 minutes. The route between Bordeaux and Toulouse will also be shortened by nearly an hour.
€14 Billion Budget Funded Through Multi-Level Collaboration
The project’s first phase comes with an estimated cost of €14 billion. This is jointly financed by the French government and 25 regional authorities, each contributing 40%. The remaining 20% will be funded by the European Union, reflecting strong international support.
Towards Spain: A Cross-Border Vision
The new line will branch south of Bordeaux in a Y-shaped layout. One track will head southwest to Dax and the other southeast to Toulouse. A future phase will extend the line into Spain, connecting to San Sebastián in the Basque region. This expansion could cut an hour from the Bordeaux–Barcelona trip.
Systra at the Helm
As lead engineering partner, Systra will act as the general and technical project management assistant on behalf of SNCF, France’s national railway operator. The contract marks one of the company’s most significant roles in major rail infrastructure development over the last decade.
A Security Reminder from the Past
The project also follows a coordinated sabotage incident on the high-speed rail network in July 2024. This occurred just before the Paris Olympics, highlighting the ongoing need for robust infrastructure security alongside ambitious transport expansion.
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