On Tuesday, February 17, Spanish rail operator Renfe resumed high-speed train service between Madrid and Andalusia, nearly a month after the train accident that occurred on January 18 in Adamuz (Córdoba).
The resumption of services was possible after the infrastructure manager, Adif, authorized the reopening of the high-speed line, following the completion of repair work and technical tests necessary to guarantee traffic safety.
According to the company, additional checks of the signaling systems were carried out late into the night.
Which routes are returning to normal service
Starting Tuesday, the following routes are returning to normal service:
- Madrid–Seville
- Madrid–Cádiz
- Madrid–Granada
- Madrid–Huelva
- Alvia Madrid–Granada–Almería
However, the Madrid–Málaga route has not yet resumed normal operation. According to the operator, full service may not be restored until early March due to delays in the work being carried out by Adif.
Starting Wednesday, Renfe will introduce an alternative plan that includes road transfers between Antequera and Málaga to limit the impact of the disruption caused by the collapse of a retaining wall along the line.
72,000 passengers have used the alternative plan
After suspending service, Renfe activated an alternative transport plan, combining trains and buses, to ensure mobility between Madrid and Andalusia.
The special arrangement, implemented on January 20, was used by approximately 72,000 passengers. The company claims that it was the only operator to offer an alternative means of transport during the disruption.
During the suspension, passengers were able to change or cancel their tickets free of charge, with a full refund of the amounts paid.
The train accident in Adamuz on January 18 resulted in 45 deaths and more than 150 injuries, according to Spanish authorities.
The Spanish government has announced a compensation package worth approximately EUR 20 million for victims and their families.
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