Significant Rodalies service cuts are set to continue across Catalonia’s commuter rail network this week. Consequently, the system has failed to return to normal following the fatal Gelida landslide on 20 January. This incident tragically claimed the life of a trainee driver.
Despite efforts by Renfe, Adif, and the Generalitat, the scale of infrastructure deficiencies means continued delays for the network’s 400,000 daily users. Therefore, trains face drastic speed reductions at nearly 200 points. Meanwhile, extensive bus replacement services are covering sections where rail travel remains impossible.
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Transport Minister Óscar Puente recently admitted to the Senate that “Rodalies is a terrible service.” This sentiment is likely shared by commuters facing a disjointed start to February.
Bus fleets reinforced amid Rodalies service cuts
Anticipating the ongoing difficulties, the Generalitat has contracted an additional 61 buses. This brings the total reinforcement fleet to 230 vehicles. To meet demand, buses have been sourced from across Spain, including eight units transferred from Mallorca.
These road services are essential as Adif and Renfe finalise the list of affected zones. Several key lines remain partially or fully closed to rail traffic.
Status of key lines during Rodalies service cuts
While the R2 line is expected to run without cuts, widespread disruptions affect much of the remaining network:
- R8 (Martorell – Granollers): No service. The line is impacted by tunnel works in Rubí, which have also severed rail freight connections between Spain and France. Reopening is expected to take weeks.
- R1 (L’Hospitalet – Maçanet-Massanes): Adif continues work between Blanes and Maçanet to stabilise a landslide from 23 January. This section is likely to remain serviced by road.
- R3 (L’Hospitalet – Puigcerdà): This line faces complex challenges. Already undergoing long-term upgrades scheduled until May 2026, the entire line was cut last Monday due to safety concerns on the Vic to Puigcerdà section. Currently, the line lacks a snowplough, making the reopening of the Pyrenean section uncertain.
- R4 (Sant Vicenç de Calders – Manresa): The site of the fatal Gelida accident. Alternative road transport will continue between Sant Sadurní and Martorell Central. While trains will run normally between Martorell Central and Terrassa Estació del Nord, buses will likely be required for the onward journey to Manresa.
Regional services in Girona (Figueres to Portbou) and Tarragona (Reus to Riba Roja d’Ebre/Vinaixa) are also subject to cuts and road replacements.
Safety inspections intensify across network
Adif has announced it is working simultaneously at 31 points across the Rodalies network to secure slopes and trenches. Over 400 inspections have been carried out on tunnels, bridges, and tracks. More than 50 teams are deployed for visual checks.
Special attention is being paid to coastal sections, such as the Barcelona-Mataró-Maçanet line, and areas with significant geological vulnerabilities. Adif stated that resources are fully mobilised to allow for the “progressive normalisation” of the infrastructure. However, this may not reverse the effects of the recent policy ending train delay compensation. A precise timeline for a full return to service remains unavailable. For more information on railway safety protocols, you can visit the Adif website.
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