The crisis in the Rodalies de Catalunya network, which has accumulated six days of chaos, is focused on 23 key locations where infrastructure deficiencies are deemed incompatible with safe train circulation by drivers. The lack of safety was the reason why the SEMAF union refused to operate last Wednesday, following the fatal accident in Gelida.
“"As service holders, we request its suspension until the railway operators, Adif and Renfe, can guarantee safety."
Following tough four-way negotiations between the union, Renfe, Adif, and the Government, it was agreed to review these 23 points. Among the most critical areas are the Garraf tunnel (R2 South) and a section in Badalona (R1), a line particularly affected by sea storms.
Other lines with areas of concern include the R3 (between Vic and Puigcerdà), which has five points due to landslides, and the R15, in the Ebre regions. Service remains suspended on these two lines, with routes currently covered by road. Dangers have also been detected on the R4, R13, and R11, near Portbou.
Sources familiar with the negotiation indicate that the cause of the incidents is not solely the increasing virulence of climate change-driven storms, but also years of accumulated disinvestment and lack of maintenance, a situation the SEMAF union aims to reverse after the Gelida incident.
