“Considering the latest update on this project, the arrival of the first unit in Portugal is expected by the end of this year. The completion of the homologation tests and the delivery of the first trainsets to CP will occur during the second half of 2026,” stated CP in a response to questions from Lusa.
The order in question involves 22 new trainsets from Stadler, of which 12 are bi-mode (with electric and diesel traction), made in 2020 for 158 million euros, mainly destined for the Regional service on the Oeste and Alentejo lines.
In April, speaking to the Público newspaper, an official source from CP mentioned that “due to various contingencies” the manufacturer anticipated that it was no longer possible “to meet the delivery deadline,” which projected the arrival of the first trainset starting in October of this year and then two trainsets per month thereafter.
At the time, CP had already asked Stadler to present “proposals to mitigate this delay,” and the company committed to providing “a new timeline for the delivery of the trainsets, which will be analyzed and evaluated.”
The potential delay prompted the Municipality of Beja to send a letter to CP regarding the situation involving the trainsets that should serve the region, with the mayor, Paulo Arsénio (PS), expressing “great concern.”
The contract signed in October 2020 for the acquisition of 22 Flirt model trainsets “includes the supply of twelve Bi-mode Trainsets and ten Electric Trainsets and respective parts, as well as the provision of maintenance services, preventive and corrective, for a minimum period of three years, accompanied by training services.”
At the time, CP assured that “this reinforcement of the rolling stock will enhance CP’s capacity to meet the mobility needs of the population, particularly in regional services, ensuring the transition to full electrification of the rail infrastructure.”
