Portugal rail modernization and high‑speed procurement

In late July 2026 Portugal announced a €270 million upgrade of a 35‑km section of the Alentejo railway line between Poceirão and Bombel. The project will duplicate the track, install new signalling and catenary, remodel stations and build a technical station, allowing conventional passenger trains to run at up to 200 km/h and pendular services at 220 km/h. The upgrade is intended to remove capacity bottlenecks, shorten travel times on national and international routes and increase freight traffic by about 20 % by 2030, benefiting municipalities such as Vendas Novas, Montijo and Palmela.

The following day, Comboios de Portugal (CP) opened the pre‑qualification phase for a high‑speed train procurement programme. CP seeks to acquire 12 trainsets capable of 300 km/h (with an option for eight more) for up to €584 million, including spare parts and a two‑year maintenance package. Deliveries are slated to begin in early 2021 and continue through 2032. Applicants must have experience operating 300 km/h services on the Iberian gauge and be able to convert to standard gauge if required. French manufacturer Alstom, already awarded a separate €1.064 billion contract for regional trainsets, is a leading contender with its Avelia Horizon double‑deck platform.