7,525 minutes delay on track due to cable thefts last year
© Marc Herremans – Mediahuis
Despite a clear decrease in the number of cases, cable thefts last year led to 7,525 minutes of delay on the track. This is according to figures that N-VA MP Dorien Cuylaerts requested at Minister of Mobility Jean-Luc Crucke (Les Engagés). In total, rail infrastructure manager Infrabel registered 223 incidents in 2024.
Source: Belga
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In peak year 2022 there were 471 incidents, resulting in 38,802 minutes. Also in 2023 there were more cases than last year. « The decrease is hopeful, but every theft remains a serious burden for both travelers and staff on the site, » says Cuylaerts. « Every intervention requires a revision of the planning, often resulting in urgent repairs. »
Because the technicians have to carry out emergency repairs, planned maintenance remains, according to the N-VA MP.
Infrabel focuses on preventive measures. For example, the infrastructure manager replaces copper cables with less valuable aluminum variants. In addition, cables are marked in relief, laid underground or protected with hoods in risky places.
« Those efforts are starting to bear fruit, » says Cuylaerts. « But it remains crucial to stay alert and quickly intervene in suspicious situations. »
