The APEF highlights the “commitments of schedule and joint planning” included in the agreement, aimed at constructing the railway link “as quickly as possible”.
In a statement, Miguel Rebelo de Sousa, executive director of APEF, stated that “this agreement demonstrates a strong commitment between Portugal and Spain and could finally represent a connection that allows for quality, efficient, and sustainable rail mobility between Lisbon and Madrid”.
The governments of Portugal and Spain, along with the European Commission, have agreed on a set of actions to enable the advancement of the railway connection between Lisbon and Madrid by 2030, with a travel time of five hours, announced the Ministry of Infrastructure today.
Specifically, the “Iberian strategy” aims by 2030 to establish a direct link between the two capitals, complete the construction of the new high-speed line between Évora and Caia by 2025, and its operation in 2026, start the operation of the Plasencia-Talayuela (Cáceres) section by 2028, begin construction of the second track between Poceirão (Palmela) and Bombel (Vendas Novas) in 2026 to be completed by 2029 and operational by 2030, and complete studies for the new Lisbon-Évora line, including the Third Tagus Crossing by 2027.
By 2034, it is also planned to advance with a high-speed link between Lisbon and Madrid, with a travel time of about three hours, as well as the construction of the new high-speed Lisbon-Évora line, including the Third Tagus Crossing and duplication of the Évora-Caia line, “if deemed necessary,” detailed the Government.
By that date, the implementation of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) on various stretches between Lisbon and Madrid is also planned, along with the preparation of studies and potential construction of the new high-speed section between Caia and Badajoz, and the Elvas-Badajoz International Railway Station at the border between the two countries.
