Despite a notable decrease in incidents, cable thefts still caused 7,525 minutes of railway delays last year, according to data requested by N-VA MP Dorien Cuylaerts from Mobility Minister Jean-Luc Crucke (Les Engagés).
In 2024, railway infrastructure manager Infrabel recorded 223 incidents. This is a significant drop from the peak in 2022, which saw 471 incidents resulting in 38,802 minutes of delay.
In 2023, more incidents occurred compared to last year. Cuylaerts remarked, “The decline is promising, but each theft remains a serious burden for both travellers and on-the-ground staff.”
She added that emergency repairs by technicians often delay planned maintenance work.
Infrabel is focusing on preventive measures, such as replacing copper cables with less valuable aluminium ones. Additionally, cables are being embossed, buried underground, or shielded with protective covers in high-risk areas.
“These efforts are beginning to pay off,” Cuylaerts noted. “However, it remains crucial to stay vigilant and respond quickly to suspicious situations.”
