Speed Restrictions to Be Lifted on Rodalies

The number of temporary speed restrictions on Rodalies, Catalonia’s commuter rail network, will soon be reduced by 40, bringing the total down from 120 to 80. These remaining restrictions will only apply to sections where active infrastructure works are underway. Transport Minister Óscar Puente made the announcement on Monday 26 October 2026 during a press breakfast in Madrid. "We have gone from 200 temporary speed restrictions (LTV) to 120, and soon, shortly, we will remove another 40, leaving us with only the LTVs related to the works we are carrying out," Puente said. He added that improvements would become visible over time but did not provide a specific timeline for the lifting of the restrictions. The reduction follows €200 million in emergency investment during 2026 to reinforce the network against extreme weather. According to Puente, the January 2026 DANA storm affected around 600 points on the network, while a recent storm in October caused only 14 disruptions, despite being more intense.

Modernisation of Madrid’s C-5 Commuter Line

Puente also confirmed that work to increase the capacity of Madrid’s C-5 commuter line by 40% will begin shortly. The project is part of a broader €1.35 billion modernisation plan that aims to boost capacity by 60%, improve station and train accessibility, and implement advanced operational technology. "We had to postpone it because the Madrid City Council has buried the A-5," Puente explained, referring to conflicting roadworks. "We had to wait, but it is scheduled, and we are going to undertake a project that will allow us to increase capacity." The C-5 line, which serves over 72 million passengers annually, is described by the minister as "the motor of southern Madrid." Most upgrades will be carried out without interrupting service, with major closures planned for summer periods when demand is lower.

The improvements will become visible," said Minister Óscar Puente.

New trains and infrastructure upgrades are expected to enhance reliability and punctuality across both the Rodalies and Madrid’s Cercanías networks. The minister highlighted that the arrival of new rolling stock will further contribute to service improvements.

Sources: Crónica Global, cdn.transportes.gob.es.