“Portugal and Spain have taken a decisive step toward further connecting the Iberian capitals, defining a set of concrete actions to establish rail links between Lisbon and Madrid by 2030, with a travel time of approximately 5 hours, and a high-speed link – around 3 hours – by 2034,” announced the ministry led by Miguel Pinto Luz in a statement.
The “Iberian strategy” specifically aims to achieve a direct connection between the two capitals by 2030, complete the new high-speed line between Évora and Caia by 2025 with operations starting in 2026, commence operations on the Plasencia-Talayuela (Cáceres) section by 2028, begin construction of the second track between Poceirão (Palmela) and Bombel (Vendas Novas) in 2026 with completion by 2029 and operation by 2030, and complete studies for the new Lisbon-Évora line, including the Third Tagus Crossing by 2027.
By 2034, a high-speed connection between Lisbon and Madrid is expected to be operational, with a travel time of about three hours, alongside the construction of the new high-speed line Lisbon-Évora, incorporating the Third Tagus Crossing and duplication of the Évora-Caia line, “should the need justify it,” detailed the Government.
Also forecast by this date is the implementation of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) across various sections between Lisbon and Madrid and the planning and possible construction of the new high-speed section between Caia and Badajoz and the Elvas-Badajoz International Railway Station at the border between the two nations.
This project is part of the European strategy for sustainable mobility and cross-border railway interconnection, “involving structural investments in infrastructure, technological modernization, and railway interoperability,” highlighted the Ministry of Infrastructure.
“The development of the high-speed rail network is essential to promote more sustainable, efficient, and environmentally responsible mobility, especially for shorter international journeys,” offering an alternative for passengers traveling on the over 40 daily flights between the two Iberian capitals.
[News updated at 10:44]
