The Government extended the maintenance contract for the security system of the Madrid-Seville line one day before the accident

The Spanish government approved an increase of 11.5 million euros to the maintenance contract for the Madrid-Sevilla high-speed line just before a recent accident. This contract, awarded to GTS, covers traffic control systems and signaling maintenance, including the LZB system, which failed during the incident. Originally granted in March 2024 for 72.5 million euros, the contract was expanded due to operational needs. The Madrid-Sevilla line is undergoing modernization with the transition to the ERTMS system, aimed at enhancing interoperability across European rail networks. GTS is primarily owned by Hitachi Rail, a major player in high-speed rail technology.