The long-awaited homologation of new Rodalies trains is nearing completion, with final approval expected soon. This marks a significant step towards improving regional rail services in Spain.
The process to approve the new Rodalies trains manufactured by Alstom is on the verge of completion, with only bureaucratic formalities remaining. The Agency for Railway Safety (AESF) is expected to finalize the homologation within weeks, paving the way for the delivery of these much-anticipated trains.
Sources from the railway sector gathered at Innotrans in Berlin this week confirmed that all technical work has been completed and that there is now a definitive green light for the project. The homologation process, which has faced various delays, is anticipated to conclude by early November at the latest.
Once approved, Alstom will begin delivering units to Renfe, with a commitment to have 16 trains ready by year-end. The first two units rolled off the production line in June and are currently awaiting transfer to Renfe’s workshops in Vilanova. Five additional units are already stationed at Alstom’s facility in Santa Perpètua, while others are undergoing final adjustments before they can be combined into multi-level configurations.
The timeline for when these new trains will start operating with passengers remains uncertain. Andrew DeLeone, president of Alstom Europe, stated that after receiving homologation, discussions will commence with Renfe regarding their service entry and necessary training for operators. “We need to ensure everything is ready before we can put them into service,” he noted.
This development comes after a series of public criticisms directed at Alstom by Spain’s Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente. Following a cordial meeting at Innotrans between Puente and DeLeone, both parties expressed optimism about their collaboration moving forward. DeLeone praised Puente’s proactive approach: “It’s beneficial to have leaders who communicate their expectations clearly,” he remarked during discussions with European media.
Minister Puente also met with Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport, where they discussed potential regulatory changes aimed at streamlining procedures within the railway sector. This conversation highlights ongoing frustrations regarding lengthy timelines from train procurement to delivery—a situation exemplified by the Rodalies project which began nearly six years ago when Renfe awarded Alstom the contract.
As Spain’s railway industry represents approximately 20% of Europe’s total rail market share and faces increasing pressure to modernize its fleet efficiently, these developments signal a critical juncture for regional transport improvements. Stakeholders hope that once operational, these new trains will alleviate some of the longstanding issues plaguing Rodalies services.
For those interested in following up on this story or utilizing Rodalies services once these new trains are operational next year—expected around Q1 2027—stay tuned for announcements from Renfe regarding schedules and routes as they finalize preparations.
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