Spanish rail authorities have temporarily reduced the speed limit on part of the high-speed line between Madrid and Barcelona after a fault was detected on the track.
Transport Minister Óscar Puente reported that a crack was identified on Sunday night in the line located 110km (68 miles) west of Barcelona, between Alcover and l'Espluga de Francolí, in the Catalonia region.
This decision is especially critical coming just days after a high-speed collision resulted in 45 fatalities in southern Spain, and it coincides with severe disruptions affecting local rail services in northeastern Spain.
The transport ministry assured that the fault found in the line did not pose an immediate danger to trains and they would still be allowed to operate. However, the speed limit will now be restricted to 80km/h (50mph) until further notice. The high-speed trains on this route usually operate at speeds up to 300km/h, making it one of Spain’s busiest long-distance connections.
Prior to this, speed limits had already been lowered on various sections of the Madrid-Barcelona line to 230km/h due to reports of vibrations and anomalies. Last week, limits on the Madrid-Valencia line were also reduced temporarily.
Local rail service, Rodalies, has seen significant disruptions as incidents within the network raised safety concerns and prompted calls for improved protections for drivers. After a tragic incident where a trainee driver was killed, services were grounded amid demands for safety reviews.
On Monday, further incidents caused more turmoil, but the Spanish government has not yet determined their cause. Speculations include potential cyberattacks.
Investigations continue into the Adamuz high-speed crash, with experts examining a section of track that became loose shortly before the derailment, which appears to be linked to the collision. This ongoing issue has spotlighted long-standing calls for investment in rail infrastructure.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is expected to address Congress on February 11 regarding the ongoing rail crisis as public scrutiny increases.
