5 May 2024 was the last day of service for the C-9 Cercanías Madrid, Cercedilla-Cotos. The train, once known as the Ferrocarril Eléctrico del Guadarrama, closed its doors to begin comprehensive renovation work that was to last a year.
However, little progress has been made, and recently, work has been proceeding at a very slow pace, if at all. They should have been finished by the beginning of May. However, as of today, there are still stretches of the original track that have yet to be lifted.
Although the photos in this news item were taken in early April, according to several people, the situation remains similar.
Ayúdanos a crecer y mantener la independencia
Llevamos casi 25 años informando sobre la actualidad ferroviaria con rigor y veracidad. Ahora, para celebrar este hito y seguir avanzando, necesitamos tu apoyo: ampliar nuestro equipo, publicar más contenidos y llegar más lejos.
Tu participación es clave. Juntos, podemos hacer de Trenvista la referencia del ferrocarril en español.
Despite having asked Adif on numerous occasions about the delays and their cause, this magazine has not received a reply in a month.
Cercedilla-Cotos line, an ambitious renovation project at a standstill
The plans are ambitious. The renovation of the C-9 line of Cercanías Madrid includes:
- Complete renewal of the track, with minor modifications to slightly soften the track axis by 5 to 10 cm in some curves. The aim is to increase the maximum speed.
- Modification of the track layout of Cercedilla, Navacerrada and Cotos.
- Replacement of the catenary with CRC 160A type.
- Suppression of Telephone Blocking.
- Renewal of interlocking and installation of CTC from Chamartín.
- Reinforcement of trenches and retaining walls.
- Reopening of the Camorritos halt.
- Recovery of the Siete Picos crossing road.
Undoubtedly, a plan was devised to bring the line up to 21st-century standards, expand its capacity, and ensure its good condition for many years to come.
People who have recently walked along the track, like the author of the photos, complain that they have only seen three workers working along the whole route. The only visible progress is the installation of the new catenary posts and their brackets. The track is completely removed, except at some points, such as level crossings.
Almost two months behind schedule, the Cercedilla-Cotos line is an interesting greenway with new catenary posts.
In the meantime, the new trains are waiting at La Sagra for a track to run on and a contact wire to supply them with energy.
It is not the only project of the Madrid Suburban Railway Plan with progress problems.
The extension of the C-4 line between Colmenar Viejo and Soto del Real is also behind schedule. The works began in September 2023 with a 24-month deadline. After an initial stoppage due to an alleged discovery of archaeological remains, little progress has been made.