The initiative, led by Francisco Díaz, aims to restore passenger train circulation, which was interrupted early last year due to strong winds and heavy rains. Although freight trains are already operating, the absence of passenger service causes significant inconvenience for residents in the affected towns.
“"We defend the train as the most sustainable means of transport available, holding immense social value for people living in the towns it passes through."
The campaign organizers, who manage a Facebook page, also demand the reinstatement of the eight weekly trains cancelled in June 2013 and the connection to Madrid, which previously existed. Furthermore, they request daily services covering the entire Zafra-Huelva line, including stops in locations such as the village of Gil Márquez, in Almonaster.
The situation has drawn criticism, especially given the investment of over 200 million euros in renovating the line. The Huelva-Zafra Medium Distance service was restored on September 15, 2025, but was suspended again months later due to storm damage.
From the Railway Infrastructure Administrator (Adif), it is reported that repair work and improvements are underway to eliminate telephone blocking and implement an automatic system. These interventions are compatible with night-time freight train circulation. However, the return of passenger trains has no specific date, as their daytime commercial schedules coincide with the track recovery work.
The storms caused landslides, damage to containment elements, and obstructions in several sections between Zafra and Jabugo, and between Jabugo and Huelva. Adif emphasizes that felling, clearing, slope stabilization, and ditch cleaning are being carried out. Traffic will be completely cut off from April 21 to May 15 to allow for these works, after which freight traffic will resume.
So far, the campaign has collected 372 signatures in four weeks. Díaz explains that the process is slow due to the verification of signatures by the Change.org platform. Once a significant number is obtained, the signatures will be presented to Adif, the Ministry of Public Works, and the Junta de Andalucía, with the aim of achieving the service's reopening.
