On February 6, 2025, train traffic on the LGV Sud-Est line experienced widespread disruptions due to a power outage caused by equipment malfunction, severely affecting TGV services.
The incident, described by the SNCF (French National Railway Company), particularly impacted services departing from Gare de Lyon, Paris, with delays reported up to three hours for routes heading to cities like Lyon, Marseille, and Grenoble. The SNCF confirmed the power supply failure occurred at Marolles-sur-Seine (Seine-et-Marne), which halted operations on the high-speed rail south of Paris.
Travelers trying to catch TGV trains faced significant challenges, with reports indicating up to three-hour delays for specific services. For example, the Paris-Lyon train scheduled for 11 AM faced delays of nearly three hours, and those trying to board the 12:18 Paris-Geneva train were held up for about two hours and forty minutes.
According to the SNCF, "the traffic is interrupted on the high-speed line south of Paris” due to the electrical fault. SNCF teams worked diligently to repair the affected equipment, and gradual resumption of services was anticipated later Tuesday afternoon. Early communication from the railway company noted, "The circulation is expected to gradually resume for your TGV INOUI and OUIGO services,” as repairs were completed.
To manage the situation at Gare de Lyon, SNCF implemented crowd control measures to handle the influx of stranded passengers. They described these initiatives as part of their efforts to maintain safety and order as commuters trickled through the station. The “grand flux” system was activated to monitor and manage passenger flow effectively, preventing overcrowding during the hectic periods of wait.
Throughout the chaos, SNCF officials kept passengers updated via their communications channels (including social media), stressing the substantial delays. A spokesperson provided insight, stating, "Significant delays of several hours are expected on trains heading to Grenoble, Marseille, Nice, and Montpellier.”
Travelers took to social media to express their frustration, sharing images of packed platforms and lengthy waits as they watched train schedules display cancellations and delays. Some posted stories of missed appointments and travel plans thwarted due to the extended waiting periods.
Although the situation began to show signs of improvement around 2 PM, the SNCF advised and warned travelers to stay informed about their specific services as full normalcy was yet to be restored. "Travelers are advised to check for updates as they plan their journeys," they remarked.
Around 3 PM, updates indicated the bulk of TGV services were making headway, albeit still outlining the significant delays resulting from the initial power outage. Trains were reported to be setting off gradually from Gare de Lyon, restoring some sense of normalcy for commuters desperate to continue their journeys.
By late afternoon, the SNCF was optimistic about taxiing more services back on track, assuring customers via updates, "We anticipate the comprehensive restoration of services by the end of the day, allowing for safe, reliable travel once more." They continued to reiterate their commitment to passenger service during the recovery.
Though the disruptions caused substantial inconveniences, the SNCF's proactive approach with repair teams and real-time updates were praised by many passengers as they navigated the chaotic scene.
Such incidents, though not common, do highlight the challenges rail networks face concerning infrastructure and reliability of service. This outage serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and investing in the electrical systems integral for train operations, as well as the need for well-planned responses during unpredicted disruptions.
Travelers await confirmation of complete service recovery on the LGV Sud-Est line, but fingers crossed for smoother operations moving forward, post-repair and with improved contingency measures.