The French government has confirmed the funding to launch the tendering process for the 222 km Bordeaux – Toulouse high-speed rail (HSR) line. On 7th May 2026, it was announced that, starting in June 2026, the state would provide EUR 410 million to financing agency AFITF to cover initial project costs. The tendering for the first construction contracts is scheduled to start before the end of 2026. The line is estimated to cost at least EUR 8.5 billion. The state will cover 40% of the costs, regional and local authorities along the line another 40% and the EU the remaining 20%. This arrangement is based on a binding agreement between the state, the Occitanie and Nouvelle-Aquitaine regions and other local partners. The state and the local partners will each contribute EUR 410 million in both 2026 and 2027. This undertaking constitutes the first phase of the EUR 14 billion Great South West Railway Project. This phase also entails upgrades to existing lines south of Bordeaux and on the approaches to Toulouse Matabiau, aimed at increasing capacity for both HSR and regional services. As a result, travel times will be reduced to just over three hours on the Paris – Toulouse line and to one hour on the Bordeaux – Toulouse line.