Spanish rail authorities have temporarily reduced the speed limit on part of the high-speed line between Madrid and Barcelona after a fault was detected on the track.
Transport Minister Óscar Puente reported that a crack was found on Sunday night in the line located 110km (68 miles) west of Barcelona, between Alcover and l'Espluga de Francolí in the Catalonia region.
This decision follows a tragic collision earlier this month that claimed 45 lives in southern Spain, along with ongoing disruptions to local rail services across the northeast.
Despite concerns, the transport ministry indicated that the fault detected does not pose a danger to trains continuing to operate along the line.
The speed limit on the affected section is now set at 80km/h (50mph), a significant decrease from the typical speeds of up to 300km/h. The reduced limit will remain in effect until further notice.
Previously, several segments of the Madrid-Barcelona line had their speed limits temporarily adjusted to 230 km/h following driver reports of vibrations and other technical anomalies, although this was later restored to normal after inspections.
In addition, parts of the Madrid-Valencia line saw their speed caps reduced to 160km/h and 200km/h amidst heightened safety provisions.
Meanwhile, the local Rodalies rail service has seen significant service interruptions. Last week, a trainee driver was killed when a train struck a collapsed wall, prompting drivers to demand enhanced safety guarantees and operational reviews.
On Monday, two additional incidents led to further service suspensions in the region, although the causes remain unidentified, with authorities not ruling out a possible cyberattack.
Opposition leaders are pressing for the resignation of Transport Minister Puente, asserting he misled the public after the recent tragedies. Investigations continue into the root causes of these incidents and the condition of Spain's rail infrastructure.
