The Madrid metro, Spain's largest, has recognized that the manual equipment it uses for track inspection is outdated, stating that this obsolescence limits operational capabilities and impacts equipment availability as well as inspection planning. This admission comes as part of a report revealing that the public company intends to spend over one million euros to acquire two new pieces of equipment to address this critical issue. The move is particularly noteworthy in light of recent tragedies, specifically the Adamuz train accident, which resulted in significant loss of life and raised serious safety concerns.

The report indicates that the existing equipment has been in use since 2014, thus failing to meet the current technological standards required for reliable metro operations. Following the investigation into the Adamuz accident, which killed 46 people, concerns have intensified regarding the safety and reliability of Madrid's expansive metro network, which spans 300 kilometers. The focus of the investigations has been on potential defects, such as welding issues on tracks, underscoring the urgent need for modern and efficient inspection tools.

By committing to upgrade its inspection technology, the Metro de Madrid aims to enhance safety measures and regain public trust in its operational integrity. Ensuring that the infrastructure is up to date is vital for the system's efficient functioning and could prevent future tragedies related to track failures, thereby solidifying the metro's role as a safe and reliable transportation option for the citizens of Madrid.