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STAFF REPORTER

PALMA
THE new electric trains which will be providing a passenger service between Palma and Inca will become operational by the end of next year, regional Transport Minister Gabriel Vicens said yesterday.

Speaking at a meeting of Parliament, Vicens claimed that electrification was a major part of the region's Transport development plan and that the Balearic government had allocated 75 million euros to the project.

The money had been used to buy 13 units of electrically-powered rolling stock, each of which were capable of pulling between 3 or 4 carriages. One would be purchased and brought to the Balearics each month.

Operational tests on each of the units, said the Minister, would require a period of two months. Passenger free trial runs have been planned using the Metro line.

Vicens claimed that once the electric trains were in use, there would be more frequency in the timetable and would eliminate the problem of contamination by fumes in underground stations.

The service will also be “environmentally friendly” as there would be no emission of pollutants during the journey.
Further electrification projects are already in the offing including the construction of the new tram-style train from Manacor to Arta. What the Transport Ministry has described as a “fast, noise free, and efficient service” is being built along a previously-existing track. Central Government funds are being used for the project.