Renfe has significantly expanded technical inspections of the bogies on its high-speed trains of the type Talgo Avril (Serie 106) and temporarily withdrawn two units as a precaution. The operator confirmed this last week in the course of internal discussions and talks with the train drivers’ union. The aim is to detect possible cracks at an early stage and increase safety margins. According to the company, services, including the low-cost Avlo service on the Madrid–Valencia route, are so far running without restrictions.
The measures include more frequent non-destructive testing of the affected assemblies, as well as additional measurement and monitoring procedures during operation. Renfe says the approach has been agreed with Spain’s railway regulator, the Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Ferroviaria (AESF) . Inspection frequency has recently been increased further to detect early signs of material fatigue and replace components in good time.
The background is a series of findings on individual bogies in the Avril fleet, which Renfe has been addressing with a stricter inspection programme since 2025. Last year, cracks found on the Madrid–Barcelonaroute led to a temporary suspension of the Avlo service. According to investigations by Spanish media, up to 19 bogies have since been replaced as part of the preventive strategy; Renfe has also taken two trains out of service and has not ruled out further precautionary withdrawals if new defects are found.
Renfe is calling on manufacturer Talgo to carry out a comprehensive root-cause analysis and provide replacement parts promptly to maintain fleet availability. Talgo points to ongoing test bench trials and material analyses intended to establish conclusively how the cracks form. Industry observers warn that continued replacement needs could lead to short-term shortages of certain components. Renfe, for its part, says trains will return to service only after passing inspections and that safety is its top priority.
According to the company, the impact of the measures on services will depend on the results of further inspections and the regulator’s requirements. If the number of units taken out of service increases or the supply of spare parts becomes more difficult, timetable changes could be possible, particularly on the Avlo Madrid–Valencia route. No specific service cuts have been decided at present.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).