The 31 trains in Cantabria and Asturias that could not fit through the tunnels: a "lack of diligence" that already exceeds 200 million

Thirty-one trains ordered for the regions of Cantabria and Asturias have been rendered unusable due to their inability to pass through certain tunnels, a problem attributed to a lack of diligence that has cost over 200 million euros. The issue emerged during the design phase before the trains were even manufactured, revealing a critical misalignment between the specifications of the new rolling stock and the physical constraints of the existing infrastructure. The project was launched in 2020 by Renfe, which awarded the contract to CAF, a company based in Gipuzkoa, to manufacture 31 trains, 21 for Cantabria and 10 for Asturias, at a cost of 162.2 million euros. The delivery date had been set for October 2024, with the aim of replacing aging trains inherited from FEVE, the former narrow-gauge railway company integrated into Renfe and Adif in 2013. However, the project faced immediate challenges when it became clear that the trains could not navigate some tunnels due to incorrect dimensions. The primary issue lay in the "glibo," the maximum space a vehicle can occupy without infringing upon safety zones within the infrastructure. This includes considerations such as platform clearance, overhead lines, signaling equipment, track curves, and potential train movements. In tunnels, this calculation becomes particularly complex, requiring detailed assessments of available space to ensure safe passage. In early February 2023, Renfe admitted that the 31 trains ordered from CAF would not be delivered on time. The revelation sparked widespread media coverage and political controversy. Then-President of Cantabria, Miguel Ángel Revilla, described the situation as a "monumental mess." Initially, responsibility appeared to fall primarily on Adif, the Spanish infrastructure agency, which was accused of misinterpreting the glibo requirements and the specific characteristics of the FEVE network. CAF, the manufacturer, was credited with identifying the issue. As a result, Adif took preventive measures by dismissing its head of Inspection and Track Technology in February 2023. Renfe also replaced the manager overseeing the project. An audit commissioned by the Ministry of Transport in March 2024 painted a more nuanced picture. It found that the problem was not solely attributable to Adif. Errors were identified across multiple entities, including Renfe, which had published specifications containing erroneous information about train dimensions. Adif and CAF were also found to have made mistakes in coordination. The audit further revealed that CAF had signed the contract despite having access to documentation from Adif 54 days prior that could have potentially allowed them to identify the issue earlier. Some representatives of rail unions in Cantabria argue that the problems began when FEVE was integrated into Renfe and Adif in 2013, without adapting the unique aspects of the FEVE network to the prevailing safety standards used elsewhere in the national rail system. An anonymous train operator attributes the initial mistake to the integration process, suggesting that both PP and PSOE administrations share responsibility for the oversight. The financial implications of these errors are substantial, with costs exceeding 200 million euros. The delays have affected regional connectivity and raised questions about the management of public infrastructure projects. The situation highlights the complexities involved in modernizing aging rail systems while ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure. The ongoing investigation continues to scrutinize the roles played by all parties involved, seeking to determine whether additional measures should be taken to prevent similar issues in future projects. The findings will likely influence how such contracts are managed and monitored moving forward, emphasizing the need for rigorous compliance with technical specifications and thorough coordination among all stakeholders.