Thales teams restored train service near Barcelona in record time after the theft of cable

Thales has repaired lines R2, R8 and R11, in record time after the theft of 360 meters of copper wiring. The 3,000-volt power cable that was cut fell on other wiring and IT devices, leading to a network overload and a subsequent fire.
 

• The signalling system was severely damaged and has been repaired in record time.
• Train lines R2, R8 and R11 carries an average of 60.000 passengers per day.

From the outset – 15th December -, Thales mobilised a team of 40 people for the quick restoration of the signalling installations. On 19th December, the affected area La Llagosta was back in operation. On 11th January, a new traffic control system at Mollet San Fost was implemented, in the record time of four weeks after the incident. The new traffic control system at the Mollet Train Junction also needed the replacement of approximately 40,000 meters of cable. This was fully accomplished and the system was functioning again on 2nd February.
The damage had a serious effect on the signalling system, rendering the whole traffic control system inoperable. This affected the arrival and departure of trains, as they are carried out automatically. Therefore, for security reasons these tasks had to be undertaken manually, causing significant delays.