In officials’ public remarks, Raquel Sánchez underscored the current status of the project: the train is not yet in production, remaining in the design and definition phase. The process has revealed a mismatch between what the specifications stated and the final design requirements that must be implemented. This realization prompted a careful reexamination of the design criteria to ensure the trains meet both performance and safety standards before any manufacturing commitment is fully executed.
Looking ahead, the minister indicated that the next few months will be pivotal. A decision will be made in coordination with CAF regarding how the trains should be configured and operated. Once a clear agreement is reached and the contract is formally advanced for production, the actual manufacturing phase can commence. This approach aims to align technical specifications with realistic production timelines, avoiding delays and ensuring a smooth transition from planning to fabrication.
She emphasized that no funds have been spent on production at this stage because the project has not progressed to that point yet. The discrepancy between the defined specification clauses and the eventual design is not incidental; it highlights the need for a precise, agreed-upon blueprint for the trains’ final form. The focus now is on correcting these design differences and establishing a solid foundation for subsequent manufacturing work that will deliver the required rolling stock to the rail system.
From a project planning perspective, a realistic timeline is essential. Once the design parameters are finalized, a construction window can be estimated with greater confidence, and it is anticipated that this will occur during the summer period. This projection helps stakeholders prepare for the hands-on work of building the trains and coordinating with the surrounding supply chain to secure components, testing, and commissioning activities.
Additionally, Sánchez mentioned the formation of a working group charged with monitoring the entire process. The team’s mandate is to streamline through the various stages, identify potential bottlenecks, and seek ways to shorten production timelines without compromising quality. Continuous oversight is expected to foster accountability and keep the project on track as it moves from design into tangible, in-service trains for the public transit system.
As part of governance and risk management, an internal audit was launched at both Renfe and Adif to determine when the error was first detected and to recommend appropriate corrective actions. The audit’s findings are intended to inform process improvements, ensure proper oversight, and prevent similar issues from arising in future procurement and development projects. This proactive approach reflects a commitment to transparency and responsible spend within the rail sector.
The overarching goal remains clear: maximize the deployment of the correct rolling stock as soon as possible for Cantabrians and Asturians, while ensuring that every step from design to delivery aligns with the highest standards. The authorities stated that all available material and human resources would be mobilized to resolve the technical discrepancy, safeguard public investment, and accelerate the path toward delivering the trains when the design is fully defined and approved. The emphasis is on delivering a reliable, safe, and efficient rail solution that serves communities without unnecessary delay, with continuous updates as milestones are reached.”