The high-speed rail network in Portugal is taking a significant step forward with a major concession for construction, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

High-Speed Rail
Photo: Portugal Trains

The state infrastructure company Infrastructure Portugal (IP) announced a groundbreaking contract awarded to the LusoLav consortium. This deal represents a pivotal moment in the expansion of high-speed rail in the country.

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The LusoLav consortium, consisting of six leading construction companies—Teixeira Duarte, Mota-Engil, Casais, Alves Ribeiro, and Conduril Engenharia—will oversee the design and construction of a 290 km high-speed rail line. This line will connect Portugal’s two largest cities, Porto and Lisbon, facilitating travel speeds up to 300 km/h.

The consortium secured a 30-year contract valued at €1.66 billion as of December 2023. The contract could increase by an additional €480 million due to potential expenses related to design, land acquisition, and construction. Almost half of the investment is supported by funding from the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility, with €813 million allocated for this project.

Upon completion of the construction, LusoLav will transfer the new high-speed rail line to Infrastructure Portugal. The consortium will then manage the infrastructure for 25 years, ensuring the maintenance and smooth operation of this vital transportation link. The overall investment required for the project is expected to reach €1.98 billion, according to IP’s estimates.

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