Mar 17 • 23:00 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El Mundo

A railway network installed in abnormality two months after Adamuz: "Between the pending and scheduled works and the accident, we cannot keep up"

Two months after significant accidents in Adamuz and Gelida, Spain's railway network is struggling with numerous incidents, a result of ongoing maintenance work and safety protocols.

Following the serious train accident in Adamuz, Cordoba, on January 18, which marked the most significant incident since Spain's high-speed rail liberalization, the railway infrastructure has faced critical challenges. This situation is compounded by another incident in Gelida, Barcelona. The railway network now exhibits multiple irregularities due to a combination of delayed maintenance works and the need for increased inspections following accidents. This precarious state has led to the implementation of Temporary Speed Limits (LTV), which are activated under specific safety protocols when train operators identify defects in the tracks or due to adverse conditions in regions like Catalonia and Andalusia, recently affected by various storms.

As train operators manage their operations under these constraints, the frequency of incidents has heightened, stressing the importance of regular maintenance and safety inspections. The LTV protocol not only aims to ensure passenger safety but is also a reflection of the network's current vulnerability. The August report from Adif, which highlights the situation, indicates that there are plans for static updates aimed at addressing these infrastructural weaknesses in the weeks to come.

Amid these challenges, the operational capacity of the railway system is under scrutiny. Adif faces an urgent need to balance ongoing maintenance work with rapid incident response to restore public confidence in Spain's railways. The situation illustrates the pressing need for comprehensive improvements in railway safety and infrastructure management, as continuous lapses can lead to severe consequences for both the public and the operators involved.

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