The Spanish Council of Ministers approved a package on 10 November 2026 to improve rail safety and support accident victims. Its centrepiece is a new commissioner for victims of accidents involving collective passenger transport, whose role will be to provide those affected with ongoing psychological, social and legal support and bring their rights together. The government also approved a Real Decreto-ley with immediate measures which, among other things, clarifies how train drivers’ driving and duty hours are calculated and strengthens the oversight of the Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Ferroviaria .
According to the transport ministry, the new service will be organised within the executive and act as a central point of contact for those affected and their families. Its remit includes coordinated assistance beyond the immediate aftermath of an accident. The measure was an outstanding commitment made by the government to victims’ organisations following the serious accident at Adamuz (Córdoba) in January 2026.
The decree adopted at the same time clarifies the obligations of infrastructure and operating companies and expands the safety agency’s powers of intervention and inspection. The aim is to monitor safety systems and operational procedures more closely, particularly staff rosters, rest periods and the recording of driving hours on regional and long-distance services. The ministry announced that it would underpin enforcement with additional requirements and audits.
Vice-President Carlos Cuerpo, who took charge of the transport portfolio last week, presented both measures to the Council of Ministers. They build on earlier support arrangements for those affected by the accidents at Adamuz and Gélida (Barcelona) on 18 and 20 January 2026. The new decision is intended to make support a permanent part of the institutional framework and bring fragmented responsibilities together. The recent accident at Urda (Toledo) in early November 2026 is also cited as a reason for the move, having reignited debate about oversight and procedures.
The government presents the new rules as a signal of confidence to passengers and staff. Details of the new office’s staffing and budget, or deadlines for appointing its head and beginning operations, were not initially provided. The Real Decreto-ley will enter into force upon publication and must then be confirmed by Parliament. Further detailed provisions in subordinate legislation are expected in the coming weeks. Politicians and the industry expect more intensive debate about liability, maintenance and investment in network infrastructure; at the same time, operators and regulators face growing pressure to provide evidence of measurable safety improvements.
Editor: Daniel Mayer (Article created with AI assistance).