In the municipality of Arroyo Naranjo, Havana, a man was caught in the act while attempting to dismantle part of the railway to steal the bars that support the track sleepers. According to the pro-government Facebook page, El Cubano Fiel, quick action from residents in the Mantilla area allowed a sector chief from the National Revolutionary Police to apprehend the suspect just as he was breaking down one of the railway structures, sledgehammer in hand.
The regime-aligned page emphasized that the man, apparently driven by construction needs, overlooked the severe consequences of his actions, which could have jeopardized train safety and led to potential accidents with significant loss of life and material damage. El Cubano Fiel portrayed the incident as a testament to the "effectiveness" of community surveillance and the authorities' swift response to crimes threatening critical infrastructure.
Challenges Facing Cuba's Railway System
Cuba's railway system is plagued by severe technical and operational constraints due to a shortage of spare parts and deteriorating rolling stock. Transportation Minister Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila reported on Facebook that, despite some advancements in passenger mobilization, resource scarcities have impacted the quality and reliability of the service.
One major issue is the availability of locomotives and cars. Out of the 20 locomotives needed, only an average of 14 were operational in 2024, leading to delays and irregularities in schedules, as detailed by Rodríguez. Furthermore, only 63% of the planned cars were in service, due to unresolved technical issues and a lack of foreign currency for maintenance, he emphasized.
Struggles and Achievements in Passenger Transport
Despite these limitations, passenger transport revenue exceeded expectations by reaching 107.75% of the planned target in 2024, amassing 65,379,814 pesos, surpassing the figures of 2023. This growth indicates improved ticket sales efficiency and a rising demand for trains, which remain the most affordable transportation option for the public.
The railway managed to transport 785,272 passengers, surpassing initial forecasts by 8.31%, thanks to optimized ticket sales and the addition of new stops in some areas to enhance passenger access.
Railway Safety and Incident Reduction
In another Facebook post, Rodríguez noted a 14% reduction in railway accidents in 2024, although fatal incidents like pedestrian fatalities, with 17 deaths recorded, persist. The year ended with 137 safety-related incidents, compared to 160 in 2023.
Recently, the Cuban government officially acknowledged the severe crisis plaguing the island's public transportation system, affecting the population with long waits, overcrowded journeys, and canceled routes due to resource shortages, further complicating daily life in an already economically troubled nation.
In a broadcast by the Cuban Television Information System, Minister Rodríguez outlined the sector's numerous challenges, from the global economic crisis's impact and the oft-cited intensification of the U.S. embargo to infrastructure deterioration and essential supply shortages.
By the end of 2024, the Transportation Minister admitted that new vehicle import policies are not a definitive solution to the mobility crisis. Despite easing import regulations, the scarcity of transportation means remains a structural problem.
In February 2025, official media tried to justify the sector's difficulties by attributing them to U.S. sanctions. In an article titled "Who Pays the Price of an Economic War?" the Girón newspaper blamed the embargo for power outages, rising prices, and the transportation crisis, although independent analysts argue that government inefficiency and a lack of economic reforms are also crucial factors in the crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba's Railway Dilemmas
What led to the man's attempt to steal railway bars in Havana?
The man was reportedly motivated by construction needs, though his actions could have severely threatened train safety and caused significant accidents.
What are the main challenges facing Cuba's railway system?
Cuba's railway system struggles with technical and operational issues, including a lack of spare parts and deteriorated rolling stock, which affect service reliability and quality.
How has the Cuban government responded to the public transportation crisis?
The government has acknowledged the crisis, attributing it to global economic challenges and the U.S. embargo, but critics argue that inefficiency and lack of reforms are also to blame.