High-speed train services between Barcelona and Girona have resumed after a ten-hour suspension caused by a loss of electrical power at La Sagrera station, according to Adif and Civil Protection.
The disruption began around 9:00 AM when a lack of electrical tension halted operations on the Barcelona–Figueres line between Barcelona-Sants and Bifurcación Mollet. Two trains were left stranded: an Avant service with 30 passengers and an AVE bound for Lyon carrying 200.
The Avant train was evacuated via the old Sant Andreu workshops. Passengers were guided on foot to Sant Andreu Comtal station, where they could board either a regional train towards Portbou or a Rodalies service to Sants. They were also offered ticket refunds or exchanges for future high-speed services.
The AVE to Lyon was unable to proceed and returned to Barcelona Sants.
Emergency Response and Passenger Disruptions
Civil Protection activated the pre-alert phase of the Ferrocat plan, a protocol for coordinating emergency response during major rail incidents. The incident occurred near La Sagrera, where infrastructure work is ongoing as part of the Transformem Rodalies project.
Throughout the day, no alternative rail routing was possible due to maintenance work on the second track between Maçanet de la Selva and Caldes de Malavella, leaving no detour option.
The cause is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest an issue with the catenary or pantograph, critical components for electrical supply to trains.
Renfe announced free changes and cancellations for all affected services. Regional rail operator Rodalies also provided updated service information via its website and customer line (900 41 00 41).
Infrastructure Context and Recovery
The line’s vulnerability during single-track operation highlights ongoing challenges in northern Barcelona’s rail network. The new Sant Andreu station, opened in December 2022, forms part of a broader effort to modernise connections and improve urban integration.
Adif confirmed that full service was restored after 7:30 PM, following urgent repair work. No injuries were reported during the incident.
Primary sources: rodalies.gencat.cat, govern.cat. Reported by 3cat.cat, adif.es, 20minutos.es, noticiasultimahora.es, elindependiente.com, RUSSPAIN.com, El Periódico, qoshe.com, elnacional.cat, Crónica de Cantabria, 3CatInfo Barcelona.
