Major Changes in High-Speed Rail Plans
The third government of the AD has embraced a recommendation from the Independent Technical Commission to locate the new airport on the 7,500 hectares of land at the Alcochete Shooting Range. This decision directly impacts the planning of the High-Speed Rail Line (LAV) connecting Porto to Lisbon.
Currently, the original route, which was designed when the Montijo Air Base was still deemed sufficient, is set to be revised. The proposed adjustment suggests that the LAV should curve towards Santarém after passing through Leiria to cross the Tagus River and enter Lisbon through a new railway bridge to be constructed by LUSOPONTE, without additional costs to taxpayers.
Cost-Effective and Efficient Construction
This alteration is grounded in a compelling logic: it aligns with the longitudinal axis between Mira and Odemira, reduces construction costs for the final segment, and eliminates the need for extensive tunnels around the capital. Furthermore, it shortens the construction timeline and connects urban areas of Beira Baixa, Ribatejo, and Alto Alentejo to the new national airport without significantly increasing travel time.
Synchronizing Timelines for Greater Convenience
The proposed timeline for completing the last segment of the LAV would coincide with the construction of the new airport's first runway and a dedicated railway crossing between the north and south banks of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (AML). While travel time between Porto and Lisbon may increase by 10 to 15 minutes, this is a small price to pay for the convenience of a direct rail link across the country.
Future Prospects for International Rail Connections
In addition, there is an urgent need to initiate an international tender for the LAV that will connect Lisbon to Madrid, which should have been a priority from the start. This connection is essential to accommodate the millions of European tourists who prefer high-speed rail over flying.
Moreover, there is a critical need for the restoration of the 1,000 kilometers of railway lines within Portugal, which were decommissioned in the late 20th century. Reviving these lines could attract independent travelers seeking historic rail experiences and well-preserved natural heritage, thanks to the National Agricultural Reserve and National Ecological Reserve established by the second AD government in 1981-83.
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