Puente announced his decision on Tuesday during a lengthy hearing before lawmakers, weeks after the disaster sparked widespread criticism of the country’s railway safety system.
“I am not only stepping down from my position as minister of transport, but that I am also withdrawing my name from the lists for the early legislative elections on 29 November,” he said.
The minister had previously ruled out resigning despite mounting pressure from opposition parties and labour unions, which criticised his handling of the disaster.
The crash occurred when a train operated by state-owned Renfe rammed into a stationary train belonging to private operator Iryo near Urda, about 80 miles south of Madrid.
Following the incident, Puente announced plans to strengthen railway safety through automated warning systems, artificial intelligence to detect operational irregularities and a requirement for a second operator to approve decisions made when automatic safety systems are unavailable.
He also promised reforms to improve the working conditions of railway control operators and announced a €30 million compensation package for the families of victims and injured passengers.
The disaster has further heightened concerns over railway safety in Spain, particularly following another train collision in January that claimed 46 lives.
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