The start of major work in the Garraf tunnel immediately impacted thousands of passengers traveling between Barcelona and Tarragona. On the very first day of repairs, the R2 line and regional routes experienced serious disruptions: train cancellations, longer intervals, and confusion over transfers. For many residents of Catalonia, this means not only lost time but also increased difficulties in planning their journeys. As El Pais notes, the atmosphere at Barcelona’s stations became tense: people hurried across platforms trying to find out when and where their train would depart.
At Passeig de Gràcia station, passengers faced a lack of clear information. Electronic boards displayed only R2 trains, all of which were delayed. Many, like Emilio Nogués, could not get an answer about whether their train would run. After several attempts to clarify the situation, it became clear: the needed regional train was cancelled, and the alternative route through Sant Vicenç de Calders would add several hours to the journey. For some, this meant disrupted plans and having to postpone their trip to the next day.
Confusion and fatigue
Maria Dolors Calderó, who planned to travel to Reus, was among those unable to use their usual route. Although the Adif app showed trains running, passengers found out on site that regional services were cancelled. Travelers had to look for alternative routes, switch to other lines, and spend twice as long on their journeys. Station staff tried to explain the situation, but information was clearly lacking. Many complained about receiving no warnings on TV or over loudspeakers.
At Sants, the train quickly filled with people, some unaware that the previous service had been cancelled. The atmosphere in the carriage was tense and weary. Passengers recalled earlier repairs on this line, when they had to take a bus to Sant Vicenç for eight months before transferring to a train. This time, expectations were equally grim: already on the first leg, the trip to Vilanova took over an hour, while reaching Sant Vicenç de Calders was an hour behind schedule.
Unexpected transfers
At Sant Vicenç de Calders, a group of attendants met passengers and directed each person to the correct platform. Maria Dolors boarded a train to Tortosa, losing her entire morning. She noted that such delays are a serious problem for commuters. For those heading to Barcelona, a bus was organized but departed before everyone could board. After 45 minutes, the bus unexpectedly arrived at El Prat de Llobregat, although staff in Sant Vicenç had said it would go straight to Barcelona. This led to fresh frustration and questions.
At El Prat, an attendant explained that trains to Barcelona depart from platform four. Yael, a UAB student who commutes daily from Tarragona, was aware of the start of the works, but only because she follows the news herself. She admitted that she is used to long journeys and delays, but hopes this time there will be no major disruptions. Once again, the train was delayed at Sants station and only reached Passeig de Gràcia by 2 p.m.
Impact on passengers
In the coming months, passengers will have to adapt to new routes and transfers. Many are already reporting fatigue from the constant changes and lack of information. According to El Pais, the atmosphere at stations remains tense, with commuters forced to spend more time on their journeys. For those who travel daily for work or study, it is becoming a serious challenge.
In recent years, such situations on Catalonia’s railways have become a regular occurrence. Repairs on key sections of the R2 line have repeatedly led to widespread delays and train cancellations. In 2024, similar works on another section of the line caused lengthy disruptions and bus transfers. At that time, passengers also complained about a lack of information and difficulties with connections. According to russpain.com, these repairs are often prolonged, and their effects are felt long after the work is completed.
