R1 Commuter Line Set for Transfer to Catalan Control

Transfer of R1 Line Expected This Autumn

The Generalitat expects the formal transfer of the R1 Rodalies commuter line to take place this autumn, following a planned meeting of the Bilateral Commission between the Spanish state and the Catalan government. Sílvia Paneque, Minister for Territory and spokesperson for the Catalan government, stated that the meeting is expected to occur by October. "We hope it will not go beyond this month of October," she said during a press briefing after the first executive council session of the political season. The meeting aims to certify or agree on the handover of the R1 line, which serves the Maresme corridor. This would mark the first step in a broader process to transfer management of all Rodalies infrastructure to the Generalitat, under the new jointly managed entity Rodalies de Catalunya.

Ongoing Improvements and Rolling Stock Delays

While the transfer process advances, the Generalitat continues its 'shock plan' to improve Rodalies services. Key actions include accessibility upgrades at stations, implementation of a real-time information system, and station investments. Infrastructure work is also ongoing: the duplication of the R3 line, tunnel repairs in Garraf, and overhead cable replacement on the R11 are currently underway. The double-tracking between Parets and La Garriga is set to finish in early 2027, though further extension towards Puigcerdà remains necessary.

We hope it will not go beyond this month of October.

However, the rollout of new Alstom-built trains has faced delays. According to sources cited by El Periódico, assembly errors, including incorrect installation of motorised bogies, alongside production shortfalls have pushed back deliveries. Originally expected in October 2026, the first units are now projected to enter service at the start of 2027. The new trains, manufactured in Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, are currently undergoing safety assessment by the Agencia de Seguretat Ferroviària. Only after their approval can testing and driver training begin.

New Maintenance Facility Underway

Separately, construction has begun on a new maintenance workshop in Santa Perpètua where Alstom will service the Rodalies fleet. The facility is part of the long-term strategy to localise control and maintenance of the commuter network.

Primary sources: govern.cat. Reported by Cristina Buesa, Sara González, Redacción COPE Barcelona, capgros.elnacional.cat, Sandra Tobar, Pere Roca Soler, europapress.es, Capgròs.