Spain’s railway network is once again in the spotlight: a speed restriction has been abruptly introduced on the high-speed Madrid-Valencia line. Trains now have to slow down to 160 km/h for a 1.8-kilometer stretch, instead of the usual 300 km/h. The change came after alarming reports from a train driver, who noticed sharp jolts, dangerous swaying of the train, and several noticeable irregularities on the rails. Of particular concern was a strong jolt and a case of ‘bamboleo’—the term railway workers use to describe hazardous rocking of the carriage.
The decision to reduce speed was made immediately, without lengthy deliberations. Internal protocols of the infrastructure operator require instant action on such warnings if there is any risk to train safety. This time, officials cited a ‘serious track deformation,’ which automatically triggers strict restrictions. Outside of the hazardous areas, trains continue to travel at maximum speed, but in problem zones, they are limited to just 160 km/h.
Danger zones
The restrictions have affected several points between Villarrubia and Chiva-Bifurcación de Xátiva. On one section, the driver felt a severe jolt; on another, there was noticeable swaying. Between Minglanilla and Caudete de las Fuentes, the train literally bounced on the tracks. Yet another segment—just 100 meters long—was so problematic that trains are allowed to pass only at minimum speed.
Authorities have promised a thorough overnight inspection of all damaged sections. Only after that will it be possible to resume the previous speed limits. Until then, passengers will need to be patient: in some directions, delays have already become the norm.
Chain Reaction
The situation on the Madrid-Valencia line is not an isolated case. In the past 24 hours, the infrastructure operator has reduced speeds three times on different high-speed routes. The Madrid-Barcelona (Madrid-Barcelona) line was especially affected, with restrictions imposed over a 150-kilometer stretch. The reason was a surge in malfunction reports from train drivers. In just one day, there were 25 such cases, most reported by the same employee.
As a result, at the country’s main stations — Madrid-Atocha (Madrid-Atocha), Zaragoza-Delicias (Zaragoza-Delicias), Barcelona-Sants (Barcelona-Sants) — passengers faced delays of up to an hour and a half. Meanwhile, train schedules were not adjusted: trains continued to run but moved more slowly than usual.
Human Factor
Authorities admit the sudden upturn in driver reports is linked to recent tragedies on the railways. After the fatal incident in Adamuz, where a train driver was killed, many operators have become extremely cautious. Another accident occurred shortly after, this time on a Rodalies train in Girona (Girona). All this has undeniably affected staff morale and their willingness to report even the slightest sign of danger on the tracks.
The Minister of Transport even suggested that the surge in reports was linked to the train drivers’ emotional state after the recent tragedies. However, the infrastructure operator chose not to take any chances and implemented the strictest measures — reducing speeds to 160 km/h on particularly hazardous sections.
Inspections and Waiting
The restrictions are not permanent. As soon as specialists finish overnight inspections and confirm safety, trains resume their previous speeds. For example, on the Madrid-Barcelona line, trains were allowed to accelerate up to 300 km/h again by the following morning, except for four short segments where the limit remained at 240 km/h.
Nevertheless, just a few hours later, another order came in to reduce speed on a different section of the same line — between kilometer 100 and kilometer 178. The reason: new reports from the same train driver who had previously detected malfunctions.
Safety or Overreaction?
The current situation raises questions: where is the line between necessary caution and excessive risk aversion? On one hand, the safety of passengers and staff is undeniably the top priority. On the other, widespread restrictions and delays can paralyze operations and provoke frustration among thousands of people.
For now, Spain’s rail authorities are opting for maximum caution. But if such alarming reports keep coming at this pace, the country will have to find a balance between speed and safety. Otherwise, high-speed trains may lose their biggest advantage — time.
