Catalonia Rail Network: Partial Service Resumption planned for Tuesday
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A limited resumption of rail service is expected in Catalonia on Tuesday, following nearly 48 hours of widespread disruption caused by recent severe weather. Authorities are prioritizing safety and system stability as they work to fully restore the Rodalies network, which serves the region.
The Catalan Goverment anticipates operating with the same partial service scheme initially planned for Monday, after numerous incidents impacted the railway over the past two days. According to the Minister of Territory, Sílvia Paneque, the focus remains on consolidating the “stability of the system” before expanding service to additional lines.
Prioritizing Key Routes and Safety inspections
The partial resumption will concentrate on so-called “priority axes,” serving approximately 87% of daily commuters. Specifically,the R1,R2,and a significant portion of the R4 lines will be operational,alongside existing regional services. Ongoing inspections are being conducted on sections of the network identified as being at medium or high risk due to storm damage.
“The priority continues to be the safety of users and railway workers,” Paneque stated, adding that a “full recovery will not be immediate.”
Alternative Transportation Measures
to mitigate the impact of the reduced rail service, the Government will continue to bolster alternative transportation options. This includes increased intercity bus services and the continued suspension of restricted circulation rules in low-emission zones across several cities.
To ease road congestion, tolls on the C-32 motorway will remain suspended, and one lane on the AP-7 motorway near Gelida (Barcelona) – previously closed – will remain open to southbound traffic.
Long Road to Full Restoration
While the partial resumption represents a step forward, authorities are tempering expectations for a swift return to normal operations. the emphasis on thorough safety inspections and system stabilization suggests a cautious approach to fully restoring the rodalies network. The situation remains fluid, and commuters are advised to stay informed about the latest service updates.
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