MADRID, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy on Tuesday confirmed the central government will invest around 4.2 billion euros (around 4.56 billion U.S. dollars) in improving infrastructure in the Catalan region in northeast Spain, Spanish press reported.
The majority of the money will be invested in the local and regional rail network, as well as the so-called "Mediterranean Corridor" rail line down the east coast of Spain, as well as on other transport and road improvements.
Rajoy made the announcement during his second visit to Barcelona in three days, where he addressed a meeting on infrastructure.
The event brings together representatives of business and Catalan society at a time of tension between the region and Madrid over plans for a possible independence referendum, which Rajoy insists will not be allowed to take place.
Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria and Public Works Minister Inigo de la Serna were also present along with Ada Colau, the mayor of Barcelona.
Rajoy said Catalan local rail service Rodiales would receive 1.88 billion euros between 2017 ands 2020 and a further 2 billion euros between 2021 and 2025. He confirmed the Catalan branch of the Mediterranean Corridor would be finished in three years.
He highlighted this railway would "connect nine ports and airports, from Algeciras (southwest Spain) to the frontier with France."
Meanwhile, the first stage of a rail shuttle between Barcelona's Sants railways station and the city's El Prat airport is also underway, while the plan also includes funding for Catalan airports, ports and roads.
