Retrasos en el AVE

Cable Theft Halts Spain's Busiest Rail Route

The stolen cables knocked out power and signaling systems along the Madrid-Barcelona high-speed line near Tarragona in Catalonia. Diario de Mallorca reported that Adif teams rushed to the scene to assess the damage. Repairs were underway, but officials gave no timeline for when full service would resume.

High-speed theft is a growing problem in Spain. Thieves target rail cables for their copper content, which sells for cash. Each theft forces service halts and costs operators thousands in repairs.

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Adif Working to Restore Service

Lne.es reported that Adif confirmed the incident and mobilized repair crews immediately. The operator posted updates on social media as technicians inspected the damaged line. Passengers faced uncertain delays, with some trains cancelled and others running hours late.

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Impact on Travelers and Rail Traffic

The Madrid-Barcelona corridor carries tens of thousands of passengers daily. El Periódico de Aragón noted that the disruption affected commuters and travelers during peak hours. Some passengers were rebooked on alternative routes, while others waited for service to resume.

Adif warned the public to check for updates before traveling. The operator urged passengers to stay alert for schedule changes and to use the official app for real-time information on service status.

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