Portugal clears way to relaunch Lisbon-Porto high-speed tender

Portugal’s government has formally authorised Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP) to relaunch the tender for the Oiã–Soure section of the Porto–Lisbon high-speed rail line, resetting the procurement after the previous tender was cancelled.

The Oiã–Soure segment is a critical part of the broader high-speed rail project aimed at reducing travel times between Lisbon and Porto. The government’s decision comes as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the country’s rail infrastructure and improve connectivity between major urban centers.

IP is expected to issue the new tender shortly, with the aim of attracting both domestic and international bidders. The previous tender faced challenges that led to its cancellation, prompting the need for a fresh approach to ensure the successful development of this key rail link.

The high-speed rail line is anticipated to significantly decrease travel times, with estimates suggesting a journey time of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes between the two cities once completed. This project is part of a larger investment strategy by the Portuguese government to modernize its rail network and promote sustainable transportation options.

Funding for the project is expected to come from a combination of national resources and European Union support, aligning with broader EU initiatives to enhance rail connectivity across member states.

As the tender process moves forward, stakeholders in the rail industry will be closely monitoring developments, particularly regarding the specifications and requirements that will be outlined in the new tender documents.

source: railtech.com