France’s TGV high-speed trains face massive delays—some up to 2 hours—after cable theft. Thousands of travelers are stranded, highlighting gaps in French rail security and frustrating commuters and tourists alike.
PARIS – For anyone who’s ever relied on France’s TGV to zip between Paris, Lyon, or Marseille, the phrase “on time” is practically part of the train’s brand. But this week, that reputation took a major hit when cable theft threw the country’s high-speed rail network into chaos, leaving thousands of travelers stuck on platforms or in slow-moving trains for up to two hours. It’s a nightmare scenario for commuters heading to work, families on school breaks, and tourists eager to soak up France’s iconic cities—and it’s sparking questions about the safety of the country’s rail infrastructure.
What Happened? The Cable Theft That Broke TGV Schedules
According to SNCF, France’s national railway company, the disruption began early Tuesday morning when maintenance crews discovered stolen cables along a critical TGV route in northern France. The cables—used to power signaling systems and communication tools—were cut and removed overnight, leaving controllers unable to track trains or manage traffic safely. Without those systems, TGVs had to slow to a crawl, and some routes were completely halted while crews worked to repair the damage.
“This isn’t a small issue—these cables are the backbone of our ability to run trains on time and safely,” an SNCF spokesperson told reporters. “We had to implement speed restrictions and reroute dozens of trains, which led to delays of 30 minutes to 2 hours for nearly 50% of morning and early afternoon TGV services.” For travelers like Marie Lefevre, a Paris-based consultant heading to Lille for a client meeting, the delay meant missing a critical appointment. “I planned my whole morning around the 8:15 TGV—now I’m sitting here at 10 a.m., staring at a ‘delayed’ sign, and my client is furious,” she posted on Facebook. “This is unacceptable for a system that’s supposed to be one of Europe’s best.”
Why Cable Theft Is a Growing Headache for European Rail
While TGV delays due to weather or mechanical issues are rare, cable theft has become a persistent problem across Europe—and France is no exception. Thieves target copper cables (used in many rail systems) because they’re easy to sell for quick cash on the black market. In 2023 alone, SNCF reported over 120 cable theft incidents, up 15% from the previous year. The issue isn’t just limited to France: the UK’s Network Rail deals with hundreds of cable thefts annually, and Germany’s DB has also faced similar disruptions.
“Copper prices have stayed high, so thieves see rail cables as low-risk, high-reward,” explains Thomas Girard, a transportation security expert at the Paris-based Institute for Railway Safety. “Railways are often in remote areas, making it hard to monitor 24/7, and the time it takes to repair stolen cables—usually 4 to 6 hours—means major disruptions. For travelers, that translates to missed flights, canceled meetings, and ruined vacation plans.” On Twitter, the hashtag #TGVChaos trended throughout Tuesday, with users sharing photos of crowded platforms and venting about the inconvenience. One user, @LucasM_Paris, wrote: “Spent 2 hours on a TGV that should’ve taken 45 mins. When are we gonna fix this? Copper thieves shouldn’t be able to break an entire rail system.”
SNCF’s Response: Apologies, Repairs, and Promises to Boost Security
By Tuesday evening, SNCF had repaired most of the stolen cables and restored normal service for evening TGV routes—but the damage to traveler trust was already done. The company issued a public apology, offering full refunds for delayed tickets and promising to step up security measures to prevent future thefts. “We understand how frustrating this is for our customers, and we’re taking this very seriously,” the SNCF spokesperson said. “We’re adding more security cameras along high-risk routes, increasing patrols by security teams, and exploring new cable designs that are harder to steal or sell.”
For many travelers, though, the apology isn’t enough. “SNCF says they’ll fix it, but this has happened before,” says Pierre Dubois, a student who was delayed on his way to Bordeaux for a university exam. “I missed half my exam prep time because of this. They need to do more than just say sorry—they need to make sure it never happens again.” The incident also comes at a bad time for France’s tourism industry, which is gearing up for summer travel season. Tourists often rely on TGVs to get from Paris to popular destinations like Nice or Avignon, and delays could deter some from choosing train travel over flights.
What This Means for Future TGV Travelers
While SNCF’s quick repairs helped get trains moving again, the cable theft highlights a larger issue: Europe’s aging rail infrastructure and the challenges of protecting it from petty crime. For travelers planning to take the TGV in the coming weeks, experts recommend checking SNCF’s website or app for real-time updates before heading to the station. “Don’t assume your train will be on time—especially if you have a tight connection,” Girard advises. “Give yourself extra time, and sign up for delay alerts so you’re not caught off guard.”
For now, though, the memory of Tuesday’s chaos lingers. As one Facebook user, @SophieLyon, put it: “I love taking the TGV—it’s fast, comfortable, and eco-friendly. But days like today make me want to drive instead. Let’s hope SNCF keeps their promise to fix this. We deserve better than 2-hour delays because someone wanted to sell copper.”