Political Crisis Deepens as Rodalies Train Service Disrupts for 400,000 in Catalonia
A fatal accident and ensuing safety review have halted Rodalies train services for hundreds of thousands in Catalonia, worsening a longstanding transportation and political crisis.
- • Renfe suspended rail services in Catalonia affecting over 400,000 people after a fatal accident.
- • Experts criticized the suspension as disproportionate given the mild conditions.
- • Political tension rises as Generalitat manages the crisis facing opposition scrutiny.
- • Rodalies faces chronic underinvestment and infrastructure issues with €6.3 billion planned for improvements by 2030.
Key details
On January 22, 2026, over 400,000 residents in Catalonia were left without rail service after Renfe suspended Cercanías and medium-distance trains for a comprehensive safety review. This decision followed the tragic death of a trainee machinist in an accident in Gelida, igniting outrage particularly from the Semaf machinists' union. Despite the safety concerns cited by officials, experts criticized the move as disproportionate, noting that rail services continued during more severe events such as the 2020 Gloria storm.
The crisis has politicized transport management in Catalonia, with the Generalitat, led by Governor Salvador Illa, assuming responsibility amid soaring political tensions. The Consellera of Territori, Silvia Paneque, defended the suspension, emphasizing safety for passengers and employees. Meanwhile, the opposition, notably Junts, has demanded accountability from regional and national transport ministers, blaming deficiencies in investment and maintenance and urging more direct control over Rodalies operations.
Rodalies de Catalunya, serving a critical metropolitan area of 3.4 million citizens, has long battled chronic underinvestment, poor infrastructure, and high failure rates, including a staggering 42% of copper theft incidents in Spain occurring on these lines. The economic fallout is substantial, with daily labor and opportunity costs estimated at €2.2 million and €3.2 million respectively by Pimec business association.
Following political agreements since 2023, a new management company for Rodalies was created, jointly owned by Generalitat (49.9%) and Renfe Viajeros (50.1%), with operational control gradually shifting to Catalan authorities. An ambitious €6.3 billion investment plan through 2030 aims to replace fleets with 110 new trains, renovate 120 stations, and enhance network reliability. Yet, the complexity of this transition and the poor state of current infrastructure have compounded public frustration.
The crisis highlights broader governance challenges and will likely influence Catalonia's political climate as parties leverage the disruption to negotiate power and budget priorities. Discussions are underway about whether focused maintenance on specific lines could prevent future accidents, a debate intertwined with calls for greater decentralization of rail management. With the first new Rodalies line expected in 2027, the region faces a critical juncture where operational safety and political stakes remain high.
This article was translated and synthesized from Spanish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
