Spain’s transport minister has warned that the country’s railways are heading into a turbulent period, with more breakdowns and delays expected over the next two years as brand-new trains enter service alongside ageing rolling stock.
Speaking in Congress, Oscar Puente, Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, said the shake-up was a necessary part of modernising the network, but admitted it would not be painless.
‘We are facing a transition phase in which both new and obsolete trains will be circulating,’ he said.
‘That will inevitably increase incidents in the short term.’
Old failures, new flaws
The issue stems from a clash between generations. Spain’s long-serving trains, many well past their prime, are increasingly prone to mechanical failures.
Meanwhile, the newest arrivals, particularly Talgo’s Avril series 106 high-speed trains, have already shown teething problems.
Earlier this year, cracks were discovered in the bogies (undercarriages) of an Avril operating on the Madrid–Barcelona line, forcing Renfe to withdraw the units for checks.
The highly anticipated model, meant to boost capacity and efficiency, is now under scrutiny.
Billions in new orders
Despite the setbacks, the government insists modernisation is non-negotiable. Renfe has already placed an order for 500 new commuter trains, with the first units due to roll out early next year at a rate of two per week.
Puente confirmed he is also in talks with industrial manufacturers – including a recent visit to Siemens’ German plant – to prepare an even larger order to meet growing demand.
The minister stressed that the long-term benefits will outweigh the disruption: more reliable services, improved comfort, and better energy efficiency.
Two years of turbulence
For passengers, however, the coming period could mean a spike in delays and cancellations. Puente has urged caution about overhyping the Avril trains, warning that stabilising the fleet will take time.
‘The next two years will be critical,’ he told lawmakers, pointing to a balancing act between the failures of old stock and the early faults of new stock.
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