The Mobility and Transport Authority (AMT) recommended carrying out an external audit of the execution processes of the Railway 2020 Plan. According to the report published on Wednesday last week, the entity highlights significant delays across the country, including a deviation of six years and nine months in the railway line modernization projects in the Algarve.
Impact on the Algarve and other complementary corridors
Among the complementary projects, which include the Douro, Oeste, Cascais and Algarve lines, the accumulated delay is one of the largest. The modernization of the Algarve line, essential for improving railway connections in the region and strengthening tourism and the local economy, is now facing a delay that compromises the achievement of the initially planned goals.
According to AMT, the overall implementation of the plan, launched in 2016, is 43% complete by the end of 2023, despite nine years having passed since its beginning. In the Algarve, investments in modernizing the railway are considered crucial to better connect the interior to the coast and to boost regional development.
Recommendations to avoid further delays
The report highlights that IP – Infraestruturas de Portugal must adopt more rigorous project management criteria, such as detailed planning, careful selection of suppliers and the use of specialized consultancy. Furthermore, the AMT recommends carrying out an external audit of the plan’s public works, with the aim of identifying weaknesses and proposing corrective measures.
“The measures aim to avoid additional delays and improve the efficiency of the planning, execution and inspection processes of works”, states the report, led by Ana Paula Vitorino.
A plan with great impact, but far from complete
The 2020 Railway Plan foresees an investment of 2.1 billion euros, with 46% of the European Union’s contribution. Despite this, only 66% of the planned investment had been executed at the end of last year. Peak execution is expected to occur in 2024, with the plan to be finalized in 2027, six years after the original date.
In the Algarve, the delays generate concern, as the project aims to improve regional mobility and increase connection with the Iberian market, strengthening the region’s economic and tourist conditions.
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