Overview
- The Tribunal de Cuentas report, published May 29, 2026, confirms nearly €20 million in extra public spending tied to Renfe’s 2020 contract for 31 narrow‑gauge trains for Asturias and Cantabria.
- The audit says the original procurement included impossible gauge (gálibo) specifications that meant the trains did not fit existing tunnels and required a redesign that added about 12% to unit costs.
- Investigators faulted procurement and technical checks, saying simple database checks and clearer specifications would likely have avoided the error and the subsequent added expense.
- The political fallout from the initial revelations in 2023 already led to resignations in Renfe and the transport administration, and government officials now acknowledge that rushing the redesign raised costs.
- The redesign will postpone deliveries to late 2028, which will prolong use of the older fleet in Asturias and Cantabria and could affect regional service reliability while authorities decide on further fixes and accountability.