A brand new high-speed practice route linking Madrid and Lisbon goals to be operational by 2030 – when the 2 international locations shall be co-hosting the FIFA World Cup.
The 2 capitals haven’t been linked by a direct practice since 2020, when Spain’s state-owned rail firm Renfe discontinued its in a single day train-hotel service.
The brand new route – which is able to lower the journey time from over 10 hours to simply three – has acquired official sign-off from the European Fee.
“We’re engaged on a plan to strengthen high-speed connections between main European capitals – and Madrid–Lisbon is considered one of our high priorities,” mentioned EU Commissioner for Transport, Apostolos Tzitzikostas.
Portugal’s authorities says the practice hyperlinks are key to decarbonising transport and can see flights between the capitals diminished.
That mentioned, the federal government can be planning a brand new airport within the Lisbon area as a part of the push to enhance connections to the nation.
Right here’s every little thing we all know to date.
Spanish trains will make the most of Portugal’s new high-speed line
Portugal is growing a new high-speed practice line, the primary a part of which is because of be prepared for the primary journeys this yr.
The 100km line from Elvas to Evora will lower the journey time between Lisbon in west Portugal and Badajoz in west Spain from three-and-a-half to beneath two hours.
It is going to be a part of a wider Iberian high-speed rail community that can even join Lisbon to Porto in round 1 hour quarter-hour – lower than half the time it presently takes.
In keeping with Spanish information website El Español, it’s hoped the road will join Madrid and Lisbon through Badajoz in six hours by 2027 and three hours by 2030 when all the route is operational.
The coastal line, in the meantime, may prolong to Vigo, Santiago and A Coruña in northwest Spain, whereas Madrid may very well be related to Porto through Salamanca.
Why is there no practice line between Spain and Portugal?
Renfe wants to take a position €15 million to adapt a part of its rolling inventory to Portuguese infrastructure, in keeping with La Información.
Varied infrastructure points must be addressed earlier than cross-border trains can function. These embody discrepancies in electrical voltages and signalling programs that aren’t anticipated to be resolved till at the least 2025, the information website studies.
In 2023 although, the Spanish and Portuguese prime ministers endorsed plans to enhance practice connectivity between their two international locations consistent with the EU’s plan to liberalise Europe’s railways.
Sumar social gathering MPs voiced their assist for a rail hyperlink to assist sustainable journey and increase financial relations between Spain and Portugal.
Renfe stopped working the Madrid-Lisbon Trenhotel Lusitania in Might 2020 because of the pandemic, and by no means resumed the service.
Portugal plans new airport close to Lisbon
Portugal can be establishing a new worldwide airport in Alcochete, about 40 kilometres from the capital, after a long time of indecision.
The transport hub shall be in operation by 2034 and can exchange Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado airport (though this shall be expanded whereas the brand new airport is being constructed).
Portugal’s tourism business says the event is important as Humberto Delgado is presently working at full capability.
To enhance connections from Lisbon metropolis centre to the brand new airport, the federal government additionally plans to construct a 3rd bridge over the Tagus river.
