Talgo Avril trains temporarily withdrawn from service due to defects. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Talgo Avril Trains Experience Issues in Spain
Photo: Talgo

Renfe suspended five trains from operation after detecting cracks in the bogie frames of its Talgo Avril trains, caused by poor track maintenance.

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The Talgo Avril series 106 trains operate on the Madrid–Barcelona high-speed line. According to Trenvista, the damage resulted from infrastructure issues. Train drivers reported vibrations and irregular movements at speeds of up to 310 km/h, particularly in the suburbs of Madrid.

Renfe tightens supervision over Talgo Avril trains

In response, Renfe reduced the maximum permitted speed to 250 km/h on affected segments while the investigation continues. Two trains have already re-entered service after undergoing repairs. To maintain schedule reliability, Renfe deployed units from the older series 102 and 103.

The series 106 is a budget variant operated under the Avlo brand. Each train features two powered cars and twelve trailer coaches, offering 581 seats — more than the 316 and 404 seats in series 102 and 103, respectively.

Renfe inspecting the entire Talgo Avril train fleet

Renfe ordered 30 Talgo Avril trains, with half built for standard gauge and the other half equipped with variable gauge axles (1435/1668 mm). The cracks were found only on units without the gauge-switching mechanism. Renfe confirmed that inspections of the remaining trains in series 106 showed no faults.

This isn’t the first issue reported with this model. On January 1, 2025, all trains in the fleet were taken out of service for a day due to a software glitch. The TCMS system failed to register the date change, disrupting operations — a signal that further attention to digital systems is essential.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

What are Talgo Avril trains?

Talgo Avril trains are next-generation high-speed units developed by Spanish manufacturer Talgo for 1435 mm and 1668 mm gauge tracks.

Are Talgo Avril trains currently in operation?

Yes, some Talgo Avril trains have resumed service, although speeds on part of the route remain limited as a precaution.

When will all Talgo Avril trains be back in service?

Full operations are expected to resume after the technical review is complete and the identified defects are resolved.

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