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Speed reduction imposed after crack detected
Spanish rail authorities have lowered the speed limit on a section of the Madrid-Barcelona high-speed line after engineers discovered a crack in the track. The fault was identified late Sunday night approximately 110 km west of Barcelona, between Alcover and l'Espluga de Francolí in Catalonia, Transport Minister Óscar Puente announced.
No immediate danger but precautions taken
The transport ministry stated that the defect does not pose an immediate risk to trains operating on the line, which will remain open. However, speeds have been capped at 80 km/h (50 mph) on the affected segment until further notice. Under normal conditions, high-speed trains travel at up to 300 km/h on this route, one of Spain's busiest long-distance corridors.
Recent incidents prompt heightened scrutiny
The latest speed restriction follows a series of similar measures implemented in recent days. Last week, temporary limits of 230 km/h were imposed on several sections of the Madrid-Barcelona line after drivers reported unusual vibrations. Those restrictions were lifted after technical inspections. Separately, speed limits on parts of the Madrid-Valencia line were reduced to 160 km/h and 200 km/h.
Ongoing disruptions in Catalonia's local rail network
Local rail services in Catalonia have faced severe disruptions in recent weeks. Last week, a trainee driver died after a train struck a collapsed wall, prompting Rodalies service drivers to demand enhanced safety measures. The network was temporarily suspended following two additional incidents on Monday, though partial service resumed later in the day. The Spanish government has not ruled out a cyberattack as a potential cause but has not confirmed any findings.
"The Rodalies network has suffered from decades of underinvestment. The reputational damage may be even greater than the economic losses."
Ramon Talamàs, President of the Terrassa Chamber of Commerce
Investigation into deadly Adamuz crash continues
These developments occur as investigators examine the cause of a high-speed collision near Adamuz, Andalusia, earlier this month that killed 45 people. The rear carriages of a northbound train derailed on a straight section of track before colliding with an oncoming train. A 40 cm (16 in) segment of rail broke loose shortly before the derailment, according to preliminary findings.
The transport ministry confirmed that the track had undergone recent renovations and technical reviews. However, it was later revealed that the damaged section, manufactured in 2023, had been welded onto an older rail produced in 1989. The crack appears to have originated at the junction between the two pieces.
"Everything suggests that the separation of the two welded sections caused the tragedy."
Iñaki Barrón, Head of the Independent Investigation Commission
Political fallout and upcoming scrutiny
Opposition politicians have called for Transport Minister Óscar Puente's resignation, accusing him of misleading the public in the aftermath of the Adamuz crash. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is scheduled to address the rail crisis in Congress on 11 February, where he will face questions from lawmakers.
