Thales signalling technology for commuter trains at Atocha station

Atocha Cercanías (commuter trains) station has been equipped with Thales signalling technology allowing trains to travel north, among other directions, linking up with Madrid Chamartín via the Recoletos tunnel, the busiest section of Spanish railways.

The service resumption through Spain’s chief railway hub, the Recoletos tunnel, with daily traffic of more than 270,000 passengers, will reduce travel times and dramatically improve public mobility and connectivity.
The modernisation of signalling and the equipment with ERTMS at Atocha Cercanías station has been carried out by a Thales team in record time. This was achieved with minimal disruption to the traffic.
 
Adif has undertaken big investments to improve and meet the high demands for mobility in the Recoletos tunnel, a crucial part of Madrid’s commuter trains which had been experiencing many incidents and delays due to the previous condition of its installations and tracks. As part of the remodelling and renovation of the tunnel, Thales has adapted the signalling and traffic control (interlocking) and equipped ERTMS train protection at Atocha Cercanías, the busiest railway hub in Spain.

The resumed service involves improved connectivity and functionality in the Madrid commuter network and the main node of its core area, as all the commuter lines except C-9 run through this station.