Cable theft in Vilanova i la Geltrú delays R2 Sud and cuts lines R13 and R14

A theft of copper cable at the Vilanova i la Geltrú station has caused delays of up to 20 minutes on the R2 Sud line. Additionally, Adif has suspended the circulation of lines R13 and R14 between Lleida and Tarragona due to a similar incident.

Users of the R2 Sud line of Rodalies have experienced delays of up to 20 minutes during the morning of this Tuesday due to a cable theft at the Vilanova i la Geltrú station, in the Garraf region. The incident has affected train circulation between Barcelona and Sant Vicenç de Calders, forcing Renfe to establish an alternative road service on some sections.

According to a statement from Adif, technicians are already working on repairing the stolen cable, although no forecast for service restoration has been provided. The company recommends that travellers check official channels before travelling and allow extra time for their journeys.

Cable theft also in Lleida and Tarragona

Meanwhile, the circulation of lines R13 and R14 between Lleida and La Plana-Picamoixons (Tarragona) has been completely cut off since early morning due to another cable theft. Adif has activated an alternative road transport plan to ensure passenger mobility, while maintenance teams attempt to resolve the incident.

These thefts occur in the context of a chronic crisis in the Rodalies network of Catalunya. Six months after the Gelida train accident, which triggered the largest mobility crisis in the community, the network continues to operate at half capacity, with ongoing delays and speed restrictions.

Average delays exceed 20 minutes

According to the latest punctuality report from Renfe, the average delay in train arrivals in the Barcelona area reached 20.4 minutes in May, a figure slightly lower than the 23.2 minutes in April and 21.2 in March. The highest peak was recorded in February, the month when the Rodalies crisis erupted, with an average delay of 26.6 minutes.

For the residents of Vilanova i la Geltrú and other municipalities in Garraf, these delays represent a daily headache. Many users have expressed their dissatisfaction on social media, denouncing the lack of structural solutions from the administrations. Meanwhile, copper cable thefts have surged in 2026, according to Adif sources, further exacerbating the situation.

Renfe and Adif have assured that they are increasing surveillance at the most problematic points, although the results have yet to be seen. R2 Sud travellers will need to be patient while repairs are underway. It is recommended to check the service status on the Rodalies website or the official app before leaving home.