Trains were initially smaller than today’s models, and a version of events prevailed that suggested the opposite. The early convoys intended for the Feve network proved too compact to carry passengers. In response, Xavier Flores, Secretary General of Infrastructures at the Ministry of Transport, led a working group formed after the initial meeting to oversee the design and production of new metric-track trains. The developments unfolded in Santander, encompassing the regions of Asturias and Cantabria. Flores stated that no trains were built and that no public funds were wasted on this matter, acknowledging that the project would be delayed for at least two years, potentially extending into 2026.
The central challenge was customization. The train fleet must fit the network, but in a metric-width system with no standardized tunnel type, applying the same design approach as elsewhere caused a size mismatch. Flores explained that trains that did not meet tunnel requirements were smaller, a practical consequence of the early design choices. He emphasized that the emerging trains were insufficiently large to handle full passenger loads, despite being technically feasible in other contexts. The delay in service reflects these early design constraints rather than a lack of groundwork or financing.
The postponement affects the schedule for introducing new trains into service. Flores suggested that timelines could stretch to two years, and perhaps three, depending on how quickly the production partner could deliver a concrete timetable and whether improvements could shave time off the plan. The issue first surfaced to the administration in March 2021, and it was not escalated to the Principality at that stage because a final decision had not been reached. He added that European support tied to the project remains available and does not appear at risk due to these design considerations.
A Cantabrian official, Alejandro Calvo, the Principality’s Minister of Rural Environment and Territorial Cohesion, urged authorities to shorten deadlines where possible. He acknowledged the public’s understanding of the situation but urged action to prevent a recurrence, noting a long-standing gap in maintenance that contributed to the present challenges for the Feve network. His Cantabrian counterpart echoed the call for careful oversight and timely remedies.
Three conditions framed the Cantabrian response: a meticulous contract review, the establishment of a stable commission with ongoing oversight, and a firm commitment to budget coverage. These safeguards aim to prevent future discrepancies and ensure a reliable path to delivering the required trains.
Transportation oversight uncovered the Feve train issue over a two-year period
The first meeting of the working group to monitor the formation and production of the new metric-track trains occurred at the Government Delegation headquarters in Santander, Cantabria. Xavier Flores, serving on behalf of the Ministry of Transport, attended. The State Railway Safety Agency (AESF) was represented by its managing director, Pedro Lekuona. Adif contributed with Ángel Contreras, managing director of Protection and Maintenance, while Renfe Operations was represented by José Luis Cchafeiro. On behalf of the Principality of Asturias, Minister of Rural Affairs Alejandro Calvo and Minister of Infrastructure Jorge García participated. Representatives from Cantabria’s regional government and the regional government delegate, Ainoa Quiñones, were also present.
The working group aimed to determine whether more individuals bore responsibility for the tunnel measurement error in the contract awarded to CAF in June 2020. That contract covered the production of 31 metric-track trains intended for the nearby Asturias area. The ministry has since dismissed two mid-level positions at Adif and Renfe as part of the accountability process.
Ministry moves to resolve the Feve trains situation by removing two mid-level executives
The effort now focuses on expediting the completion of the new units. Transport authorities estimate the trains will not be ready for at least two to three years. The contract, which included six mountain trains for the Cercedilla suburban line in Madrid, totaled 258 million euros, with just over 196 million allocated to the 31 Feve trains.