New rail, old problems persist. A new fast train in Extremadura recorded a delay of nearly an hour on the second day of its regular service. Renfe sources confirm to this publication that the service arrived at Madrid Atocha station 58 minutes after the scheduled time, at 12:45 instead of 11:43 p.m.
The sources explained two reasons for the delay. First, the train had to perform a technical maneuver to separate its two units due to circulating needs, causing a delayed departure from Badajoz scheduled for 07:25 by 10 minutes. Yet the larger factor was the second reason: an incident in the traction of the locomotive that limited the convoy’s speed during the journey.
The board sought clarification
The Junta de Extremadura responded to this latest event, evaluating the delays in the first two days of operation of the new high-speed service from Extremadura as unjustified and demanding explanations. Renfe described it as a normal occurrence when launching a new service, but, in the Junta’s view, this is unfair. “Absolutely no one understands this”, stated the executive spokesperson after a press conference following a board meeting.
He emphasized, “If we want to deliver a better rail service, delays in the early days of commissioning are unjustified.” Nevertheless, González noted that the situation is temporary and that it should normalize in the coming days. The Board will continue to seek clarification from Renfe day by day, because an investment of this magnitude should translate into real benefits for citizens rather than ongoing confusion.
There was a note of cautious optimism regarding the overall trajectory of the project. Yet the fundamental question remained: can a large, modern service be rolled out smoothly when it is first introduced? The board indicated it would press for concrete answers as the service moves deeper into its test and normalization phase.
High-speed train from Extremadura reaches Madrid late
The day had shown some tension as regional authorities monitor the rollout. A government representative acknowledged that a coming improvement was anticipated, while stressing that new mechanisms, control systems, and track networks are subject to initial inconsistencies. The message: expect a learning curve, but a clearer picture should emerge soon.
Complaints
Critics described the situation as unsatisfactory. A platform spokesperson called the events a bluff and warned that problems would persist: there are not enough trains, some units appear idle outside, and concerns persist about the condition of units in service. The advocates for Extremadura’s rail users argued that the new line should represent progress, not frustration, and urged clarity on how future rolling stock will be deployed and maintained.
Rail groups argued it is not easy to deliver a completely new railway system from Milana Bonita. They want a service that is semi-normal: consistent, reliable, and well distributed, rather than a patchwork of improved-looking equipment that underperforms inside. These groups recalled that on the previous day, the first Alvia service on both outbound and return trips also faced delays, and questioned what tomorrow would bring for other services.
In short, the critics emphasized the need for reliable scheduling and steady deployment of trained personnel and equipment to match passenger expectations from the outset.
Claims
Renfe explained that passengers are entitled to compensation for delays exceeding 30 minutes, up to 50% of the ticket value, with full reimbursement if delays surpass one hour. Passengers may opt to wait a short additional window, which makes the total delay extend beyond the threshold of compensation eligibility once it reaches 55 minutes.