The Spanish government has given the green light to a planned restructuring of rail operator Renfe.
The state-owned operator will be split into four under the proposals, with separate bodies overseeing passenger operations, freight operations, manufacturing and maintenance and the leasing of rolling stock.
Ministers hope the measure will increase competition in the country, creating more of a level playing field for private operators in the Spanish market.
The new model will see the creation of a new train leasing arm, which will offer a fleet of 51 passenger trains, 49 locomotives and 1,000 freight wagons for new entrants.
A new dedicated freight business will also be formed by combining the existing Renfe freight and logistics subsidiaries Irion, Multi and Contren.
The four new organisations will answer to an overarching state-owned holding company, Renfe Operadora.
Although the holding company will remain in the public sector, the government has said that private sector investors could be allowed to partner with the four subsidiaries in the future under the new model.
