Portugal's High-Speed Rail Project: Major New Contract Announced for Lisbon-Porto Route

Major Development in Portugal's High-Speed Rail

Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP) has officially launched an international public tender for the second section of the Lisbon-Porto high-speed rail line, specifically between Oiã and Soure. The deadline for proposal submissions is set for January 6, 2025.

The public company has stated that this concession contract for the Oiã-Soure section will be awarded at a maximum value of €1,604,296,194, calculated in net present value as of December 2023. According to the announcement published in the Diário da República, the price will account for 80% of the award decision.

This contract spans a total of 30 years, which includes a development phase estimated at five years and a 25-year operational phase. Payments made by IP to the future concessionaire will be spread over the 30 years, totaling approximately €4,207,641,557, along with an additional €395,046,779 for project-related expenses, expropriations, and works approved under the Connecting Europe Facility for Transport 2 (CEF 2) program.

Key Features of the Project

• The project involves the design, construction, and development of 71 kilometers of new high-speed rail line.
• Upgrades will be made to the existing Coimbra station to accommodate high-speed trains.
• The project also includes the quadruplication of the North Line between Taveiro and the southern entrance of Coimbra station.
• A new electric traction substation will be established in the Coimbra region.
• Connections will be made between the high-speed line and the North Line near Oiã, Adémia, Taveiro, and Soure.

This initiative marks a significant step in enhancing Portugal's rail infrastructure and connectivity.