Three regions in the Massif Central—Occitanie, Auvergne-Rhône Alpes, and Nouvelle Aquitaine—have asked the French government to create a strategic plan for improving their railway network. They cite ongoing issues on key lines such as Paris-Clermont Ferrand and Paris-Toulouse, where frequent delays and aging infrastructure have led to longer travel times and the risk of more line closures. The regional officials say these problems threaten the area’s cohesion, attractiveness, and long-term development. The Massif Central, which covers about a fifth of metropolitan France, is home to several major cities and regions, and its railway network is considered a vital part of the country's infrastructure and heritage. The regions have emphasized that they are not asking for special treatment, but rather for the Massif Central to be fully integrated into France’s national mobility strategy. They requested the government to launch a national consultation and to develop a comprehensive, well-funded vision for the railway network up to 2040. They stressed that the modernization and maintenance of the railway system are the responsibility of the state, requiring resources that local authorities cannot provide alone. Their goals include ensuring the long-term sustainability of local rail lines, upgrading major routes that connect key cities in the region, and improving the quality, frequency, and speed of both national and regional train services. The French government has already taken some steps to address these concerns. In 2019, it ordered 28 new Intercités trains from the Spanish company CAF for 700 million euros, with an additional 100 million euros allocated for new maintenance centers. These trains will replace the aging Corail models on lines like Paris-Clermont and Paris-Limoges-Toulouse, arriving in service next year. Major infrastructure projects have also begun, including work on the Paris-Orléans-Limoges-Toulouse line and the Clermont-Ferrand line, aimed at reducing delays caused by outdated infrastructure. Between 2018 and 2027, the government, in partnership with SNCF Réseau and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, plans to invest 1.3 billion euros in network regeneration, with 185 million euros allocated for 2026. Additional investments of 450 million euros are planned from 2028 to 2031 to continue improving the rail system. The regions noted that they have also taken their own responsibilities seriously, investing in new rolling stock and developing regional train services to support the overall effort.