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Date Published: 20/01/2023

100 trains delayed during 2-day catenary breakdown between Malaga and Madrid

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The overhead electric system failure occurred between La Sagra, Andalucia and Toledo throwing rail travel into chaos

100 trains delayed during 2-day catenary breakdown between Malaga and Madrid

Rail travel plans have been thrown into total disarray in Andalucia and Spain's capital this week following a two-day catenary breakdown on tracks between Malaga and Madrid.

The 48-hour overhead electric system failure on the Madrid-Puertollano train that occurred near the province on Tuesday had a major impact on 100 trains, with passengers enduring excrutiating delays as a result.

Early morning operations were dealt a crippling blow with at least 44 trains experiencing lengthy hold-ups. Commuters on the Malaga-Madrid mid-morning train suffered two-and-a-half hour delays with many missing important meetings, appointments and even court hearings.

The following day, a further 56 trains, mainly AVE and long-distance, also arrived frustratingly late at their destinations.

The fault was finally fixed at 6.40am on Thursday January 19 and trains were able to resume running on both tracks, according to the Railway Infrastructure Administrator (Adif).

However, Renfe clarified that solving the breakdown "did not put an end to the delays", since the speed of traffic on this section was reduced on Adif's instructions. This speed limitation on the high-speed line resulted in delays of around 10 minutes for some trains.

Justifying the velocity cut, Adif explained: "The speed was reduced in a couple of kilometres coinciding with the area that has been repaired, a normal temporarily measure that is soon lifted. In those two kilometres of the line, trains had to run with speed precaution, but these times are recoverable in a train."

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The catenary failure, which basically closed one track, may have been caused by adverse weather conditions, according to Adif.

"Strong gusts of wind are the most likely cause of the incident unbalancing the catenary which fell to the ground at 8.45am on Tuesday. This disruption of the electrification system of the infrastructure caused the stoppage of the Madrid-Puertollano train and the Madrid-Sevilla 8am service that was running behind it," said Adif.

The federation of consumer associations Facua publicly criticised Renfe's train operations on Thursday, stating that the breakdown and two days of delays are "another example of the devaluation of the quality" of the service provided by Renfe.

Facua spokesman Rubén Sánchez said the incident led to "a very serious situation" in terms of delays. He advised travellers to "complain, provided that Renfe is responsible for what happened", and urged Renfe to "inform passengers of their rights to compensation in appropriate cases".

"The central government must evaluate what is happening with Renfe's service and make sure that the correct functioning of the railway service is guaranteed".

Although passengers on Tuesday blasted Renfe for not providing any explanation as to why trains were delayed, the rail operator claims it informed passengers in advance of potential delays throughout Wednesday.

The info was conveyed via sms and the usual communication and customer service channels, both on board trains and at stations. Passengers were apparently given the opportunity to change or cancel their tickets at no extra cost, assured Renfe.

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Image: Renfe

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