Spain’s Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Óscar Puente, has announced that the high-speed rail line connecting Madrid and Seville will resume operations ten days after receiving judicial authorization. Nevertheless, the long-awaited reopening will come with notable service limitations.
Reduced Train Frequency Due to Safety Upgrades
A full return to regular schedules will take time. According to the Ministry, the rail corridor will operate with a reduced number of daily services until the installation of the new ERTMS signaling system is fully completed.
- Reopening contingent on judicial clearance with a mandatory 10-day preparation window.
- Temporary reduction in train frequencies along the southern corridor.
- Prioritized implementation of the advanced ERTMS safety system.
This decision stems from the imperative to reinforce safety protocols following the recent train accident in Urda, Toledo, an incident that has placed the oversight of traffic control systems within Spain’s high-speed railway infrastructure under intense scrutiny.



