Andorra Eyes High-Speed Rail Link with France Amid Landslide Disruptions

Andorra's government intends to discuss alternative transport links, including a potential high-speed rail connection to France, with President Emmanuel Macron during his April visit, Head of Government Xavier Espot said Thursday.

The proposal emerged during a General Council question session sparked by opposition inquiries into the RN-20 closure from 21 February to 8 March, caused by a 31 January landslide in a known risk area without specific prior warnings. Espot, responding to Concòrdia MP Núria Segués's query on extending a rail line from L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre to Pas de la Casa, emphasized exploring options beyond roads amid landslide threats, climate change, demand for quicker travel, and job opportunities. He cautioned that "zero risk will never exist," even with geological protections, and stressed massive costs beyond Andorra's means alone. Espot referenced past talks with Jean Castex, now SNCF executive and former French prime minister, who cited technical and financial challenges but left the door open. "We must put this on the table" with Macron, he said, though short-term progress remains unlikely. Initial feasibility studies under former territory minister Jordi Torres had flagged high expenses.

Tourism and Trade Minister Jordi Torres detailed aid measures, including 6,204 fuel vouchers worth €186,520—2,651 issued in February and 3,553 in March, plus two for buses—distributed via Pas de la Casa's tourist office. Both Torres and Andorra Endavant MP Carine Montaner, who raised the economic impact, called the closure a "very hard blow" for the area and "terrible" for the country during peak February season. Free shuttle buses eased some effects, with normal traffic resuming Monday and volumes trending upward, though weekends remain uncertain. Torres noted high-mountain risks are obvious but hard to predict, describing the landslide as sudden.

Territory Minister Raül Ferré confirmed the site is now "100% protected." French authorities plan technical studies over the next four to five months, involving Alpine geology experts, to assess risks beyond known hotspots. Results, due by September or October, will guide actions, timelines, and joint funding, with France pledging to cover costs. No closures are scheduled, and emergencies would involve coordinated response.

Opposition voices varied: Social Democrat Pere Baró labeled Pas de la Casa the government's "great forgotten" and questioned its outdated commercial model, prompting Torres to highlight initiatives like a new economic and social council with commune and business input. Concòrdia MP Cerni Escalé praised diplomatic efforts for the quick reopening and asked about international pacts for road upgrades, which Ferré and Torres affirmed amid strong Franco-Andorran ties, including 2017 and 2022 agreements.