Rodalies disruptions continue to affect commuters across Catalonia this week. Consequently, the rail network resumes operations with significant service cuts and speed restrictions. Following a fatal landslide on 20 January, safety concerns mean infrastructure remains far from normal operation.
Despite efforts by Renfe, Adif, and the Generalitat to stabilise the network, the scale of infrastructure deficiencies means the system’s 400,000 daily users face continued delays. Therefore, trains are subject to drastic speed reductions at nearly 200 points. Meanwhile, several key sections remain impassable and are covered by bus replacement services.
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The situation has drawn sharp criticism from the highest government levels. Speaking in the Senate on Thursday, Transport Minister Óscar Puente admitted: “Rodalies is a terrible service.”
Rodalies Disruptions: Line-by-Line Breakdown
As the new week begins, Adif and Renfe finalise the list of affected zones. However, several closures are already confirmed for the first week of February:
- R8 Line: No service. This line connects Martorell and Granollers via Sant Cugat. It is blocked by works in a tunnel at Rubí. This disruption also severs rail freight traffic between Spain and France. It will take weeks to resolve.
- R1 Line: Disruptions continue between Blanes and Maçanet. Sources indicate the landslide recorded on 23 January is not yet fully stabilised. Therefore, the closure will not lift immediately. Passengers should expect road transfers for this section.
- R4 Line: This line, where the fatal accident occurred near Gelida, remains partially closed. An alternative road service operates between Sant Sadurní and Martorell Central. While trains run normally from Martorell Central to Terrassa Estació del Nord, bus transfers are likely required between Terrassa and Manresa.
- R3 Line: A major point of uncertainty. Already undergoing long-term works since October, the line faces new challenges. A lack of snowplough equipment creates uncertainty for Pyrenees sections. Meanwhile, safety closures remain between L’Hospitalet and La Garriga.
Conversely, the R2 line—a vital artery connecting Sant Vicenç de Calders to Maçanet-Massanes via Barcelona—is expected to operate without cuts.
Emergency Bus Fleets Mobilised for Rodalies Disruptions
Anticipating the rail capacity shortfall, the Generalitat heavily reinforced alternative road transport. The administration contracted an additional 61 buses, bringing the total reinforcement fleet to 230 vehicles. In fact, demand is so high that eight buses shipped in from Mallorca to assist with logistics.
Adif Conducts Massive Inspection Programme
In response to the crisis, Adif launched an intensive inspection campaign. The public company announced on Sunday it actively works on 31 distinct points across the Rodalies network. These works reinforce embankments, slopes, and tracks.
According to Adif, over 400 inspections covered trenches, tunnels, bridges, and platforms. More than 50 teams conduct visual checks on foot and via train cabs.
Particular attention focuses on coastal sections, such as the Barcelona-Mataró-Maçanet line, and areas with steep terrain like the La Garriga-Vic-Puigcerdà route. Adif maintains it mobilises all available technical and economic resources to restore normality. However, they emphasise infrastructure will only reopen for service “depending on the evolution of the works.”
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