Plaça Catalunya escalators are receiving comprehensive repairs as Renfe begins a significant modernisation project at Barcelona’s key transport hub.

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The railway company has launched replacement work on all four escalators serving the Rodalies station, marking a crucial step in improving accessibility for the thousands of commuters who use this central station daily.

Plaça Catalunya escalators receive urgent attention

Renfe’s renovation programme involves completely replacing both mechanical and electrical components across all four escalators. The work will proceed in two distinct phases to minimise disruption. Consequently, the first two escalators – one ascending and one descending – will be completed before the end of this year.

Lobby of the Rodalies station of Plaça Catalunya / Jordi Cotrina

Meanwhile, the remaining two units will undergo renovation starting in January 2026. This phased approach ensures that some escalator access remains available throughout the project. Furthermore, the improvements form part of a broader maintenance contract worth €8.5 million across Catalonia.

The substantial investment reflects growing pressure on transport authorities to address infrastructure concerns. Additionally, these escalator repairs align with recent commitments from Rodalies management to deliver tangible service improvements.

Of the total budget, €4.5 million specifically targets corrective maintenance and modernisation of approximately 90 lifts and more than 40 escalators throughout the Rodalies network. Therefore, passengers across multiple stations should experience enhanced accessibility and comfort in coming months.

According to official documentation, the company formalised its contract with TKE Elevadores España SLU in February 2025. This partnership represents a strategic move to address long-standing accessibility issues.

Since January 2025, Renfe has been implementing its Urgent Measures Plan, which allocates €7 million specifically for escalator and lift renovations at approximately ten Rodalies stations. The Plaça Catalunya escalators project therefore forms part of this wider infrastructure improvement initiative.

These essential upgrades come at a critical time for Barcelona’s transport network. Moreover, they demonstrate a renewed focus on passenger experience and accessibility standards. The completed Plaça Catalunya escalators will significantly improve mobility for all users when the project concludes next year.

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