> Short answer: Yes — overhead (catenary/contact) wires can ice up in sub‑zero conditions, and that ice can disrupt current collection.

< Why it happens (concise)

    >Moisture (fog, freezing rain, wet snow, hoar frost) deposits on the wire and freezes, forming an insulating layer.
    >Ice on the contact wire prevents consistent physical contact between the pantograph carbon strip and the live conductor, causing loss of electrical contact and arcing.
    >Accumulated ice can also form lumps that damage the pantograph or the wire geometry.

< Operational effects

    >Intermittent or lost power to trains, arcing, blown fuses/trips, higher wear on pantograph carbon strips, and sometimes stranded or reduced‑speed services.
    >In severe cases equipment trips or insulation damage can occur.

< Typical mitigations

    >Running “icebreaker” or empty “ghost” trains with poorly paid train conductors to mechanically clear ice.
    >Special ice‑scraping or vibrating pantograph attachments.
    >Chemical anti‑icing/de‑icing sprays applied to the wire.
    >Local heating (rarely used due to cost) or targeted heating at critical components.
    >Operational measures: reduced speeds, planned service changes, extra inspections during cold snaps.