> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://barna.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Adif Imports Copper Cables to Counter Thefts in Catalonia - URL: https://barna.news/adif-imports-copper-cables-to-counter/ - Published: 2026-10-27T07:55:57.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-27T07:55:57.000Z - Description: Adif is importing copper cables from elsewhere in Spain to keep R3 rail works on track amid repeated thefts in Catalonia. - Author: Barna.News - Tags: Transport, Catalonia ## R3 Line Doubling Delayed by Copper Theft Adif, Spain's rail infrastructure manager, is importing copper cables from other regions to continue vital doubling works on the R3 Rodalies line between Parets del Vallès and La Garriga. The move comes after a surge in copper cable thefts across Catalonia has depleted local stock, according to sector sources cited by 3CatInfo. The 18-kilometre upgrade, part of a €182 million investment, began in 2025 and was initially expected to finish by January 2027\. However, the Spanish Secretary of State for Transport, José Antonio Santano, confirmed in September 2026 that completion is now expected in February 2027. --- ## 483 Thefts Reported Nationwide by Mid-September Copper thefts have become a critical issue for Adif, with nearly half of all such thefts in Spain occurring in Catalonia. Between the start of 2026 and 15th September, Adif filed 483 theft complaints nationwide, disrupting 3,000 train services and causing €8 million in damages. On the R3 line alone, 63 thefts and five acts of vandalism were recorded in 2026, further delaying progress. In response, the Spanish government issued an emergency contract worth €17 million to replace stolen cabling. > When they urgently ask us for railway cable, we alter production so that the railway service can be restored as soon as possible. , Rafael González de la Aleja, commercial manager, Prysmian España --- ## Delivery Delays and Material Challenges The thefts have disrupted manufacturing cycles. Prysmian España, which operates cable plants in Vilanova i la Geltrú, Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, and Abrera, says urgent orders for railway cable have delayed other production lines. Rafael González de la Aleja explained that current orders for copper cable now face delivery times of up to four months. Communications cables, which are easier to steal due to their ground-level placement and low voltage, fetch €20 per metre. Overhead line cables, heavier and more valuable at €80 per metre, are less frequently targeted. Switching to aluminium is not a full solution. While considered in some areas, aluminium is less conductive and often too thick for existing conduits. It is also unsuitable for signalling systems, where signal integrity is critical. In some locations, including around França station, copper cables have been buried under concrete slabs to deter theft, a method used in Germany and the Netherlands, but this complicates maintenance and cannot be widely implemented. --- ## Security Improvements and Arrests Recent efforts by the Mossos d'Esquadra under the Via Plan have led to 41 arrests, two prison admissions, and six formal complaints. Surveillance has been reinforced at key locations including França station, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, and Sant Vicenç de Calders. Despite ongoing challenges, officials confirm the R3 project remains on track for completion in February 2027\. Full service will follow a mandatory testing phase with driverless trains, though no timeline has been given for the start of commercial operations. What this means for you: Commuters on the R3 line between Parets del Vallès and La Garriga should expect no service until early 2027\. Updates on testing and service resumption will be published via [Adif's official project page](https://www.adif.es/w/parets-valles-la-garriga-r3-rodalies?ref=barna.news). --- *Sources:* [*3Cat*](https://www.3cat.cat/3catinfo/adif-ha-de-portar-cable-de-coure-daltres-punts-de-lestat-per-lefecte-dels-robatoris-a-catalunya/noticia/3435801/?ref=barna.news)*,* [*diaricatalunya.cat*](https://diaricatalunya.cat/en/valles-oriental/general/state-sets-february-for-completion-of-r3-line-doubling-between-la-garriga-and-parets?ref=barna.news)*,* [*planderecuperacion.gob.es*](https://planderecuperacion.gob.es/noticias/santano-anuncia-obras-duplicacion-via-parets-del-valles-la-garriga-finalizadas-principios-2027-prtr?ref=barna.news)*.* --- ### Related on Barna.News - [Barcelona Metro to Close Five L5 Stations in 2027](https://barna.news/barcelona-metro-to-close-five-l5/) - [Castelldefels Station Works Suspended Indefinitely](https://barna.news/castelldefels-station-works-suspended/) - [Sagrera Station Nears Completion as High-Speed Tracks Enter Testing](https://barna.news/sagrera-station-nears-completion-as/) - [Renfe to Approve Rodalies Investment Deal](https://barna.news/renfe-to-approve-rodalies-investment/)