Agustín Manteca, originally from Castellbell i el Vilar, retired fourteen months ago after more than 41 years driving trains. Based on his experience, he observes with concern the current state of the railway network, especially the line connecting Bages with Vallès Occidental. According to Manteca, the liberalization of the railway sector in Europe has led to a significant increase in freight traffic, causing greater wear on the ballast and sleepers.
“"Every other moment there was a landslide, either due to heavy rains or, even worse, after three days, when the ground dries, expansions begin due to pine or tree roots and they fall."
The former driver recalls that sections such as those in Vacarisses, Torreblanca, Olesa, Castellbell i el Vilar, and Monistrol, which are part of the trench zone of the R4, have always been prone to earth movements. Previously, drivers could reduce speed at specific points as a precaution, but today the demand for punctuality forces them to maintain maximum speed. Furthermore, Manteca regrets the disappearance of teams that monitored the track on foot, checking for loose rocks or screws.
Manteca points out that spots like the exit of the Torreblanca tunnel, heading towards Manresa, have historically been problematic, with documented derailments and accidents. He proposes significant structural solutions, such as extending tunnels with tubular cement, to definitively solve the landslide problems. Although he believes the situation will be fixed due to the scale it has reached, he warns that the works will entail severe delays and line cuts for commuters.
The problem is not limited to the R4. Agustín Manteca also mentions the R3 line, especially the stretch between Ripoll and Puigcerdà, as a dangerous area. Likewise, he warns about the coastal line, where the action of the sea causes water to seep under the ballast, creating invisible voids that can be very dangerous.
