"We could and should do more": experts call for investment in high-speed maintenance

Experts are urging Spain to invest more in maintaining its high-speed rail network, highlighting a significant disparity in funding compared to other European countries. Following a recent train accident on the Madrid-Sevilla line, concerns about safety and infrastructure management have intensified. Spain allocated only 240 million euros annually for maintenance from 2018 to 2022, which is just 16% of its total rail spending, while countries like France and Germany invest about a third of their budgets in upkeep. The outdated safety system, LZB, is still in use, with a new system, ERTMS, delayed in implementation. Calls for immediate action to enhance safety and restore public confidence in the rail system are growing, as the number of high-speed passengers continues to rise.