Railway safety in Spain is once again in the spotlight following a recent incident in Adamuz. Engineers and members of the scientific community believe the state of the infrastructure has reached a critical point. In their view, a temporary suspension of AVE train services is necessary to allow for a comprehensive inspection and upgrade of the tracks, aiming to prevent further accidents and protect passengers.
Risks and Red Flags
According to El Confidencial, during a meeting at the Real Academia de Ciencias de España, experts emphasized that without adequate funding, maintenance of the railway network becomes impossible. Academic Enrique Castillo from Universidad de Cantabria pointed out that delaying solutions only increases the danger for all train users. He added that recent speed restrictions on certain sections indicate infrastructure upgrades can no longer be postponed.
In recent years, Spain has seen an increase in rail breakages. According to Jaime Domínguez Abascal, head of the Real Academia de Ingeniería, there were already 24 rail fractures registered in 2024 alone—twice as many as ten years ago. He suggested the rail industry adopt protocols similar to those in aviation, where safety standards and procedures are reviewed after every incident.
Funding and Priorities
Experts are convinced that cutting costs on railway maintenance is dangerous. In their view, resources should be directed primarily toward maintaining tracks and safety systems, rather than building new stations that do not impact operational safety. Castillo emphasized that any investment must serve the utmost goal—protecting the lives and health of passengers.
During the discussion, examples of major accidents in other European countries were cited, including the 1998 catastrophe in Germany and the tragedy in Angrois in 2013. All participants agreed that only a systematic approach to updating standards and constant monitoring of infrastructure conditions can reduce risks and prevent new tragedies.
The need for change
The Real Academia de Ciencias de España reminded that their mission is not only scientific research but also advising the government on issues related to transport safety and development. Now, according to experts, authorities must heed these recommendations and urgently take action to modernize the railway network.
As reported by El confidencial, the debate on railway safety has not subsided for several years. After every major incident in the country, questions are raised about how effectively the recommendations of specialized commissions are implemented. According to the latest data, only a portion of the proposed measures has been put in place, while most are still pending.
In recent years, Spain has faced a rise in railway accidents, linked to increased traffic and aging infrastructure. In 2024, according to El confidencial, only 4 out of 10 safety recommendations issued by the relevant commission over the past six years were implemented. This situation alarms experts and underscores the urgent need for change.
Recalling similar incidents, it is worth noting that the 2013 tragedy in Angrois prompted a comprehensive review of the entire railway safety system. At that time, serious shortcomings in track inspection and maintenance were uncovered. Since then, Spain has repeatedly discussed the need to update standards and boost funding for infrastructure maintenance. However, as the current situation shows, many issues remain unresolved and the risks for passengers continue to grow.
