They cost no less than 258 million euros: 31 brand new regional trains that would run in the Spanish provinces of Asturias and Cantabria. But a miscalculation turns the mega buy into a mega glitch. Because: according to the daily «El Comercio» the new trains do not fit through all tunnels in the country.
The embarrassing accident has consequences. Rene chairman Isaïas Taboos (64) resigned on Monday, just like the state broadcaster RTVE reported. Also the State Secretary of the Ministry of Transport Isabel Sorry (48) has left her post.
Spanish Transport Minister Raquel Sanchez According to media reports, (47) accepted their resignation on Monday evening. She said: “There was a bug that was discovered in February 2021 and it has taken a long time to fix, an excruciating time.” The trains have been ordered for 2020.
The ministers demand compensation
According to the authorities, the calculation error caused a delay of two years: the new trains should not be able to run until 2026. The models remain the same, but have been made smaller. On Saturday, Madrid announced the new order from the Spanish manufacturer CAF.
The degradation is particularly bitter for the regions of Cantabria and Asturias. There the trains should have replaced the old fleet. The rail network in these northern regions largely dates back to the 19th century and has several tunnels of various sizes. That is exactly what has not been looked at.
The Prime Ministers of Cantabria and Asturias, Miguel Fishing rod hervilla (80) and Adrian Barbie (44), wanted to meet the Minister of Transport late on Monday afternoon Sanchez Meet. Both have demanded financial compensation.
Spain’s central government has now admitted the mistake. However, the government states that the taxpayer has not suffered any financial damage. Because the trains that are too wide have not yet been built. (two)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
