Portugal's CP launches high‑speed train procurement for 300 km/h fleet

Comboios de Portugal (CP) opened the pre‑qualification phase for a programme to acquire 12 high‑speed trainsets capable of running at up to 300 km/h, with an option for eight additional units. The contract, valued at up to €584 million, includes spare parts and a 24‑month full‑maintenance package. First delivery is scheduled for the first quarter of 2021, with subsequent units arriving roughly monthly until the third quarter of 2032.

Applicants must have operated passenger trains at 300 km/h commercially in Europe and possess at least ten years of high‑speed maintenance experience. A key technical requirement is compatibility with Portugal’s Iberian gauge (1 668 mm), though CP is seeking information on the ability to convert to the standard gauge (1 435 mm) in the future. French manufacturer Alstom, which recently won a separate €1.064 billion contract to supply 153 regional and urban trainsets to CP, is a leading contender with its Avelia Horizon double‑deck platform, capable of carrying around 740 passengers and meeting CP’s seating and layout criteria.