The governments of Portugal and Spain and the European Commission have agreed to move forward with the rail connection between Lisbon and Madrid by 2030, with a five-hour journey; and establishment of high speed — around 3 hours — by 2034.
The announcement was made this Thursday by the Ministry of Infrastructure: “Portugal and Spain took a decisive step to bring the Iberian capitals even closer together”.
A “set of concrete actions was defined that will allow the establishment of rail connections between Lisbon and Madrid by 2030, with a travel time of around 5 hours, and a high speed — about 3 hours — by 2034”.
As detailed by the ministry led by Miguel Pinto Luzin a statement, the “Iberian strategy” targets, by 2030, the direct connection between the two capitals, the completion of works on the new high-speed line between Évora and Caia by 2025 and entry into operation in 2026, the entry into operation of the Plasencia-Talayuela (Cáceres) section by 2028, the start of construction of the second route between Poceirão (Palmela) and Bombel (Vendas Novas) in 2026, with completion by 2029 and operation in 2030, and also the completion of studies for the new Lisbon-Évora line, including the Third Crossing over the Tagus by 2027.
Lisbon-Madrid in 3 hours in 2034
Already by 2034 it is planned to move forward with a high-speed connection between Lisbon and Madrid, with a journey time of around three hours, as well as the construction of the new Lisbon-Évora high-speed line, including the Third Crossing over the Tagus and duplication of the Évora-Caia line, “if the need is justified”, detailed the Government.
It is also planned, by that date, the implementation of the European rail traffic management system (European Rail Traffic Management System – ERTMS) on several sections between Lisbon and Madrid, as well as the preparation of studies and eventual construction of the new high-speed section between Caia and Badajoz and the Elvas-Badajoz International Railway Station, on the border between the two countries.
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 on shorter international trips”, representing an alternative for passengers on the more than 40 daily flights between the two Iberian capitals.
