Most Rodalies Services Suspended
The Catalan government has suspended Rodalies de Catalunya train services across the region from 20:00 on Saturday 3 October due to a red weather alert issued by the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET). The suspension remains in effect until safety conditions allow for safe operations, affecting nearly all regional rail lines. This decision was confirmed by the Generalitat following official warnings over severe weather, with authorities prioritising passenger and staff safety amid deteriorating conditions. Rail operator Renfe is monitoring the storm's impact on infrastructure in real time and adapting services accordingly.
Lleida Lines Exempted From Suspension
The RL3 (Lleida–Cervera) and RL4 (Lleida–Manresa) lines are exempt from the suspension and will maintain their regular Sunday timetable, provided weather and safety conditions permit. This exception was detailed in the Generalitat’s operational update published Saturday evening. These routes, which serve western Catalonia, have been identified as operationally viable under current assessments, though Renfe warns that service remains conditional on evolving circumstances. Both lines run partially on single-track sections and have previously faced disruptions due to flooding, particularly between Calaf and Manresa.
Alternative Arrangements and Passenger Rights
Renfe has activated free ticket changes and refunds for affected passengers. Travellers are advised to check the latest service status via the Rodalies service status page before departure.
"The situation is under constant review. While RL3 and RL4 are currently running, we urge passengers to stay informed,"
said a Renfe spokesperson in a statement released Sunday morning.
High-Speed and Other Regional Services Disrupted
The disruption extends beyond Rodalies. Renfe has cancelled multiple high-speed AVE and Avant services on the Figueres–Girona–Barcelona corridor for Sunday morning, including the international AVE Barcelona–Lyon, which is delayed until at least 10:00 and subject to reassessment. Additionally, high-speed services between Barcelona and Tarragona have been suspended due to unsafe track conditions. At least five long-distance services were scrapped early Sunday, according to reports from Agencia EFE and Infobae. Power outages and two storm-related fatalities, in Tordera and Montornès del Vallès, have compounded transport challenges across Catalonia.
Primary sources: renfe.com, rodalies.gencat.cat. Reported by catalunyapress.cat, El Periódico, Newsroom Infobae, elindependiente.com, ferroviarios.org, todoalicante.es, cronicaactual.com, Agencia EFE, Lleida.com.
