Feb 8 • 04:45 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

Spain faces critical years for the railway between works and the urgency of new trains

Spain is facing significant challenges within its railway system, including critical investments, accidents, and the need for new trains.

Spain's railway system is currently undergoing critical changes, with significant investments necessary to reverse its declining state, which will inevitably result in delays and inconveniences for users. Following recent train accidents in Adamuz and Gelida, which caused numerous fatalities and injuries, the urgency for a more robust maintenance model has been highlighted. Experts are calling for an increase in spending on network upkeep and an audit to assess the conditions of current rail infrastructure.

Currently, citizens are feeling the impact of these issues firsthand, as delays affect their daily commutes to work and other critical travel needs. The Spanish Ministry of Transport is responding by considering a revision of the maintenance model for high-speed railways, which has primarily been managed by private construction companies. Additional measures are being taken to enhance safety on local commuter trains (Rodalies). The government's proactive stance indicates an acknowledgment of the failures in the system and a willingness to reform.

However, the road ahead involves the renewal of approximately 500 trains, a process that has been delayed, further exacerbating the frustrations of rail users. With the stakes high, the effective management of these reforms will be crucial to restoring public confidence in the Spanish railway system, which has seen significant challenges over the years as it navigates the dual pressures of accident responses and infrastructural upgrades.

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