The infrastructure of the trans-European high-speed rail system shall be that of the lines of the trans-European transport network identified in Decision No.1692/96/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23rd July 1996 on Community guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network22 or listed in any update of that Decision as a result of the revision provided for in Article 21 of that Decision.

• The high-speed lines shall comprise—

  • specially built high-speed lines equipped for speeds generally equal to or greater than 250 km/h,

  • specially upgraded high-speed lines equipped for speeds of the order of 200 km/h,

  • specially upgraded high-speed lines which have special features as a result of topographical, relief or town-planning constraints, on which the speed must be adapted to each case.

• This infrastructure includes traffic management, tracking and navigation systems: technical installations for data processing and telecommunications intended for passenger services on these lines in order to guarantee the safe and harmonious operation of the network and efficient traffic management.