Renfe targets Portugal for high-speed rail expansion

Renfe is shifting its international expansion strategy toward the Portuguese railway market following regulatory difficulties encountered in France. The Spanish operator is currently preparing the homologation process for its series 106 and 107 high-speed trains, manufactured by Talgo, to meet Portuguese technical and safety requirements.

The expansion involves adapting approximately 30 train units, a project expected to require an investment of at least 20 million euros. The process is estimated to take 44 months, with the goal of beginning operations in Portugal by 2030. Key planned corridors include connections between Vigo and Porto, as well as routes linking Lisbon to Madrid via Badajoz.

Spanish Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Óscar Puente, noted that the shared Iberian track gauge and improved institutional coordination between Spain and Portugal make this market a high-growth alternative. While the Spanish government aims for international rail connections to be operational by 2030, the timeline remains dependent on infrastructure developments in neighboring countries.