The Spanish government has set a firm target to restore full functionality to Catalonia’s commuter rail network by spring 2026. Consequently, Transport Secretary José Antonio Santano announced that all Rodalies rail services should operate without speed restrictions by April. He outlined this timeline during an interview with 3CatInfo.
Most lines will be operational within approximately two weeks. However, temporary speed restrictions will remain until the final repair phase completes in April. Santano stated, “Throughout the month of April, we will have the last temporary speed restrictions lifted.” The only exception is the R3 line section undergoing long-term construction work.
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Rodalies Rail Services: Critical Infrastructure Repairs
The restoration plan depends on emergency interventions at 91 critical points identified by infrastructure manager Adif. According to the Transport Secretary, work has already finished on 12 sites. Meanwhile, the remaining repairs will proceed on an “emergency basis.” This work is distinct from routine preventive maintenance required at 648 other monitored network points.
This announcement follows ongoing disruptions, including a Thursday afternoon landslide in Sant Feliu de Llobregat. Therefore, authorities closed the R4 line between l’Hospitalet de Llobregat and Martorell. Santano described the closure as precautionary after an incident in an area where tracks are being moved underground.
Although repairs were expected overnight, Renfe and the Generalitat deployed an alternative road transport plan for Friday. This measure aims to mitigate potential lingering issues.
Rodalies Rail Services: Free Travel and Public Perception
Addressing commuter frustration, Santano reaffirmed that the service will remain free until quality standards are met. “If the service we provide is not acceptable, then we cannot charge Catalonia’s citizens,” he asserted. He acknowledged severe deterioration in public confidence.
Referring to a recent Centre d’Estudis d’Opinió survey, which rated the service at 4.2 out of 10 before the crisis, Santano admitted the score would likely be far lower today. “Either we face this and act, or this will have no solution,” he said. Therefore, he advocated for continued heavy investment to prevent total service failure.
Rodalies Rail Services: Potential Strike Action
The Secretary also discussed industrial action threatened by train drivers for 9, 10, and 11 February. Santano expressed optimism that the strike could be averted. He suggested negotiations are progressing well and union demands may be satisfied.
“I think we all have a good opportunity to close this chapter well,” he noted. In addition, he indicated that current network pressure has accelerated decision-making regarding driver conditions.
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