Commuters’ hopes for a return to normality on the R3 Rodalies train line were dashed on Wednesday, as the service was suspended by a new landslide just eight hours after its partial reopening. The line had been closed for nearly two months for extensive safety checks.
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The service between La Garriga and Ripoll had cautiously resumed on Wednesday morning, following a 50-day interruption. However, by 3 p.m., operations were halted once again. According to a statement from infrastructure manager Adif, a large rock had fallen onto the tracks between Sant Martí de Centelles and Figaró. Fortunately, the crew of a train travelling without passengers spotted the obstruction and was able to stop in time, avoiding a collision.
Operator Renfe immediately activated the alternative road transport plan to cover the affected route, a service that has become all too familiar to the line’s regular users. Adif technicians rushed to the site, tasked with clearing the debris and assessing the surrounding terrain’s stability before service could be safely restored.
A Troubled Return
The R3 line’s initial closure was a precautionary measure. It followed a fatal derailment on the R4 line near Gelida on January 20th. This incident, caused by a collapsing retaining wall, killed the driver and injured dozens. Consequently, it prompted a network-wide review of slopes, walls, and tunnels across the Rodalies de Catalunya system.
Even before this latest incident, Wednesday’s brief resumption of service seemed tentative. VilaWeb reported that the reopening featured very empty trains and widespread confusion among passengers at stations like Vic. Service was limited to approximately half the usual frequency, with just one train per hour in each direction. Speed restrictions also remained in place, leading to significantly longer journey times.
This disruption is compounded by long-term engineering works on the R3 line. A major project to double the track between Montcada Bifurcació and La Garriga has caused significant service interruptions since last October, with sections of the line replaced by buses.
Commuters Express Frustration
The fragile reopening and swift re-closure drew sharp criticism from passenger advocacy groups. The platform “Perquè no ens fotin el tren” (So they don’t mess up our train) labelled the morning’s resumption of service as “timid” and insufficient.
“The current service is very limited and few people will be able to use it,” said spokesperson Montse Ayats. “It must be made clear that the train service is necessary and must operate with minimum standards that are not being met right now.”
The group has called for an acceleration of the improvement works and, crucially, better communication with passengers who are often left in the dark about service changes. The recurring problems on the R3 and other lines have intensified the public debate over the management and funding of Catalonia’s commuter rail network. While Renfe has announced investments in station upgrades, commuters argue that the core infrastructure requires more urgent and substantial attention to guarantee safety and reliability.
As of Wednesday evening, there was no official timeline for when the service between La Garriga and Ripoll would resume. For now, passengers on the vital line connecting Barcelona with the foothills of the Pyrenees must continue to rely on the replacement bus service.
