The ambitious project for the new high-speed rail line linking Montpellier to Perpignan, via Béziers, is on schedule. Thanks to €68 million in funding, the start of construction on Phase 1 between Montpellier and Béziers is set for 2029. At a meeting in December 2025, chaired by the regional prefect and the president of the Occitanie region, various milestones were outlined leading up to the launch of the tenders, planned for September 2026. This project represents a key step towards improved regional and European connectivity. A confirmed timeline for the start of construction in 2029
Meeting on December 9, 2025, the steering committee for the new Montpellier-Perpignan line declared that the Phase 1 schedule was in line with expectations. This continued commitment is largely made possible by an additional €68 million in funding, guaranteeing that work will begin in 2029. The co-chairmanship of this committee by the Regional Prefect and the President of the Occitanie Region underscores the strategic and local importance of this project.
The tendering process is scheduled for September 2026.
The implementation schedule has been precisely structured. Tenders for the initial work on the section between Montpellier and Béziers will begin in September 2026. This crucial step is part of a rigorous planning strategy, ensuring the smooth progress of the project at every stage of its development. With the support of the various regional bodies, all stakeholders are aligned to guarantee the success of this essential phase. Inclusion of citizen proposals: a viaduct in Poussan integrated into the project
This meeting also served to validate an approach to integrating proposals from the citizen workshop on the Poussan viaduct, which will be taken into account for the upcoming international architecture and engineering competition. This citizen participation is an example of participatory governance, enabling the identification of solutions that meet residents’ expectations for this strategic bridge.
Environmental permits and public consultation in 2026
A crucial regulatory step will be taken in May 2026, with the expected issuance of the environmental permit. This green light will allow preparations for the start of construction to proceed smoothly. Furthermore, a preliminary consultation will be organized in the spring of 2026, after the municipal elections, to discuss the functionalities of Phase 2 between Béziers and Perpignan, allowing the public to express their views on mixed-use development and the proposed new stations.
A regional attractiveness strategyAs part of efforts to optimize the infrastructure, an “attractiveness and service study” has been launched. This project aims to improve high-speed rail access for the urban areas of Sète and Agde, thereby strengthening regional development and maximizing the economic benefits of this new line.
Strategic importance of the European link
The European coordinator of the Mediterranean Corridor emphasized the international strategic importance of this branch line. By providing a suitable connection to the Iberian Peninsula, the project should reduce travel time for passengers and freight, and alleviate congestion on existing lines. This missing link in the European transport corridor could reshape cross-border connections, giving the Occitanie region optimized access to the European network.
See also: LGV Perpignan-Montpellier: “Yes, things are slow, but there are people who are contesting it,” admits Jean Castex.