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 stated that a crack was found on Sunday night in the line 110km (68 miles) west of Barcelona, specifically between Alcover and l'Espluga de Francolí in the Catalonia region.
This action follows a recent devastating collision in southern Spain that claimed 45 lives, raising serious safety concerns across the railway network. Despite the discovery of the crack, the transport ministry assured that it does not pose a danger for trains operating on this section.
The speed limit for the affected area has been set at 80km/h (50mph), a significant reduction compared to the regular high-speed travel pace of up to 300km/h on this busy route. This latest precaution is part of a series of measures taken following previous incidents, including a temporary slowdown to 230 km/h due to reported vibrations and other anomalies in the past week.
In addition, the local Rodalies rail service in Catalonia has been severely impacted. Recent disruptions have included suspended services and investigations into drivers' safety concerns following a tragic event that resulted in the death of a trainee driver. As authorities continue their investigations, calls for improved investments into railway safety have intensified.
The backdrop of these operational changes includes a critical inquiry into the recent collision where a 40cm section of track reportedly broke loose, with investigators focusing on the integrity of the track's welds. The political fallout continues, with opposition politicians demanding accountability from the transport minister, accusing him of misleading the public about the railways' safety protocols.
