Rodalies rail disruptions continue to severely impact Catalonia’s commuter network this week. Consequently, the operational crisis that began on 20 January following a fatal landslide at Gelida persists. Despite efforts by Renfe, Adif, and the Generalitat to stabilise the network, widespread infrastructure deficiencies mean normal service remains out of reach for the system’s 400,000 daily users.
Commuters face a difficult week ahead. Drastic speed restrictions are in place at nearly 200 points across the network. Furthermore, several key sections of track remain closed, forcing passengers onto replacement bus services. Transport Minister Óscar Puente acknowledged the gravity of the situation on Thursday, bluntly admitting to the Senate: “Rodalies is a terrible service.”
Your browser does not support the video tag.Home » Rodalies Rail Disruptions: Cuts and Bus Replacements Continue Across Catalonia
Bus fleet reinforced to cope with Rodalies closures
Anticipating a chaotic start to February, the Generalitat has heavily invested in road transport alternatives. The administration has contracted an additional 61 buses, bringing the total reinforcement fleet to 230 vehicles. Meanwhile, the demand for vehicles is so high that eight buses have been shipped in from Mallorca to assist.
While Renfe and Adif work to finalise the list of affected zones, it is already confirmed that multiple lines will remain partially or fully closed.
Line-by-line status updates for Rodalies services
R8 (Martorell – Granollers): This line will not operate. The closure is due to ongoing tunnel works in Rubí, which also severs freight connections between Spain and France. Therefore, reopening is expected to take weeks.
R1 (L’Hospitalet – Maçanet-Massanes): Adif continues to work on the section between Blanes and Maçanet following a landslide on 23 January. Sources indicate the ground remains unstable. As a result, the cut will likely persist, requiring passengers to use road transport for this segment.
R3 (L’Hospitalet – Puigcerdà): The status of this line remains uncertain. The line has been undergoing major works to double tracks since October, with closures planned until May 2026. However, safety concerns regarding the Vic to Puigcerdà section prompted a total line cut last Monday. Complicating matters, the R3 currently lacks a snowplough, making the reopening of the Pyrenean section difficult to predict.
R4 (Sant Vicenç de Calders – Manresa): This line, where the recent fatal accident occurred, remains heavily affected. Alternative road services will operate between Sant Sadurní and Martorell Central. While trains will run normally from Martorell Central to Terrassa Estació del Nord, buses will likely be required for the onward journey to Manresa.
R2: This is currently the only major line expected to circulate without cuts. It connects Sant Vicenç de Calders to Maçanet-Massanes via Barcelona.
Massive inspection operation tackles Rodalies disruptions
In response to the crisis, infrastructure manager Adif has launched a comprehensive safety audit. As of Sunday, over 50 teams have conducted more than 400 inspections covering trenches, slopes, tunnels, bridges, and platforms.
Work is currently concentrated on 31 specific points across the Rodalies network to shore up slopes and protect trenches. Special attention is being paid to coastal sections, such as the Barcelona-Mataró corridor, and areas prone to landslides. Adif has assured the public that all available human and technical resources are being mobilised to restore the infrastructure to a safe condition for operators. However, a high turnover of Rodalies train drivers exacerbates the situation. For more information on national rail safety standards, you can visit the Adif website.
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