Rodalies restores most of its network and launches major works on key lines. The period of free travel on Rodalies in Catalonia has ended. Authorities are restoring the schedule after the January accident and launching new projects on the R1, R2, R3 lines and other routes.
The period of free rides on Rodalies trains in Catalonia has ended: from May 9, the network has returned to regular fares, and the timetable has been restored to 96% of pre-crisis levels. This became possible after the consequences of the major railway accident in the Gelida area in January were resolved. However, a full return to previous service levels is expected only by early summer — some routes remain limited due to urgent works and temporary speed restrictions on certain sections.
Loss of passengers and new projects
In the first quarter of the year, Rodalies lost a quarter of its passengers: according to authorities, 20.9 million people used the network’s services, compared to 27.9 million a year earlier. Authorities link the recovery of traffic to the launch of new infrastructure projects that should compensate for years of underfunding. Large-scale work on key routes will begin in the coming months.
Transfer of R1 and protection from the sea
The R1 line, connecting L’Hospitalet and Maçanet-Massanes along the coast, will be the first to be partially transferred to the management of the Generalitat. According to the Ministry of Transport, this will take place before the end of the year, but part of the infrastructure will remain under Adif, and safety oversight will continue to be handled by the Spanish Railway Safety Agency. As part of the transfer, a study is planned to protect the line from destruction caused by sea storms; however, the route itself will not be changed for now. Coastal reinforcement investments will remain the responsibility of the state.
Garraf Tunnels and Southern Restrictions
Work continues in the Garraf tunnels on the southern route, originally built in the 19th century. Renovations began in March and will be completed by June, after which R2 Sur train service between Sant Vicenç de Calders and Barcelona will resume. Currently, part of the route is being served by buses. Authorities are considering building new sections at a higher elevation and modernizing the old tunnels, which will lead to further temporary closures.
R3: Prolonged Repairs and New Plans
The R3 line, connecting L’Hospitalet de Llobregat and Puigcerdà, remains the most problematic. Since October, track-doubling works have halted all traffic between L’Hospitalet and La Garriga. In March, part of the route reopened, but after a wall collapse at Montcada Bifurcació, repair deadlines were pushed back again. Now, trains run as far as Ribes de Freser, and from there, buses transfer passengers to Puigcerdà — completion dates for tunnel repairs are still unknown. In the future, plans include doubling the track between La Garriga and Centelles and constructing a second track between Centelles and Vic.
Other Changes and Major Construction Projects
On the R15 line (regional trains to the south), service between Reus and Móra la Nova was restored on May 4, but buses are still running to Ribarroja d’Ebre due to a speed restriction. Adif promises to resolve the issue by summer. In Barcelona, construction of the new La Sagrera station continues: the railway section will be ready by 2027, with full passenger opening scheduled for 2032. In Figueres, there are plans to merge two stations into one intermodal hub, removing the railway barrier through the city center, though this has sparked debate due to relocating the station away from the center.
Rolling stock renewal and new routes
Alstom is delaying the delivery of new trains for Rodalies: the first 16 units are expected by the end of the year, but deadlines depend on certification and resolving technical issues. Ferrocarriles de la Generalitat is preparing to launch a rail line to El Prat Airport’s T1 terminal — the route will run on Adif infrastructure but be operated by FGC. The opening is expected in early 2027, though tests, integration, and staff training still lie ahead.
Stations and infrastructure
A complete reconstruction of the station and track reorganization is planned for Montcada Bifurcació. In Sant Feliu, a new underground R4 station is under construction, allowing the removal of nearly two kilometers of surface railway and the transformation of the city center. On the R8 line (Martorell–Granollers), the Rubí tunnel is currently used only for freight trains, with passengers transferring to buses until emergency repairs are completed in June.
