The Madrid Awards—presented by the digital publication "Madridiario" and now in their eighth year—were awarded at a gala attended by prominent figures from Madrid’s political, social, cultural, and economic spheres.

The jury, composed of representatives from sixteen Madrid-based media outlets, decided to present this year's Infrastructure Initiative award to the Second Atocha-Chamartín Tunnel and the Sol commuter rail station, both built by FCC. Regional President Esperanza Aguirre presented the award to the Minister of Public Works, José Blanco.

These infrastructure projects have revolutionized public transport in Madrid. Since opening in 2009, 55,000 people have gained direct daily access to Puerta del Sol, and any traveler can reach the heart of the capital via the commuter rail network with just a single transfer. The jury recognized the Ministry of Public Works for this major initiative.

The second tunnel connects Atocha and Chamartín—passing through the city's nerve center—in just 13 minutes, with intermediate stops at Puerta del Sol and Nuevos Ministerios. Its launch has reduced travel times to central Madrid to 47 minutes from Aranjuez, 27 minutes from Parla, 28 minutes from Alcobendas, and 37 minutes from Colmenar Viejo.

The infrastructure incorporates a range of innovations, from the slab track—which allows emergency vehicles to travel along it thanks to retractable platforms installed at the stations—to the construction of the station itself.