High-Speed Rail Line to Enter Lisbon via South Bank: A Game-Changer for Portugal's Transport Network
Observador7 months ago
1080

High-Speed Rail Line to Enter Lisbon via South Bank: A Game-Changer for Portugal's Transport Network

Transportation
highspeedrail
transport
lisbon
infrastructure
airport
Share this content:

Summary:

  • Third government of the AD supports locating the new airport at Alcochete Shooting Range.

  • Proposed changes to the High-Speed Rail Line (LAV) to cross the Tagus River.

  • Construction adjustments will reduce costs and eliminate the need for extensive tunnels.

  • Increased travel times between Porto and Lisbon are minor compared to the benefits.

  • Urgent need for international rail connections to accommodate European tourists.

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.

Comments

0

Join Our Community

Sign up to share your thoughts, engage with others, and become part of our growing community.

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts and start the conversation!

Newsletter

Subscribe our newsletter to receive our daily digested news

Join our newsletter and get the latest updates delivered straight to your inbox.

OR
PortugalToday.news logo

PortugalToday.news

Get PortugalToday.news on your phone!

Other Latest News

Bloco and Livre to Urge President Marcelo to Veto Foreigners' Law Amid Constitutional Concerns

Bloco and Livre to Urge President Marcelo to Veto Foreigners' Law Amid Constitutional Concerns

40 minutes ago
910
Strong Winds Hinder Firefighting Efforts in Sabrosa as 350 Crews Battle Blaze

Strong Winds Hinder Firefighting Efforts in Sabrosa as 350 Crews Battle Blaze

3 hours ago
810
Celtic Triumphs Over Sporting CP in Thrilling Pre-Season Clash in Portugal

Celtic Triumphs Over Sporting CP in Thrilling Pre-Season Clash in Portugal

6 hours ago
890
Public Prosecutor Investigates Demolitions in Loures' Talude Neighborhood - Over 160 Evicted

Public Prosecutor Investigates Demolitions in Loures' Talude Neighborhood - Over 160 Evicted

7 hours ago
840
Lisbon's North-South Axis Partially Closed Due to Roadside Fire - Traffic Disrupted

Lisbon's North-South Axis Partially Closed Due to Roadside Fire - Traffic Disrupted

4 hours ago
860
Shocking Crime in Torres Vedras: Suspect Found Dead in Lisbon Prison Cell

Shocking Crime in Torres Vedras: Suspect Found Dead in Lisbon Prison Cell

11 hours ago
950
Shocking Verdict: Four Youths Sentenced to 20 Years for Fatal Stabbing in Alverca

Shocking Verdict: Four Youths Sentenced to 20 Years for Fatal Stabbing in Alverca

12 hours ago
1020
Lisbon Metro Receives Four Bids for Odivelas-Loures Line Expansion Project

Lisbon Metro Receives Four Bids for Odivelas-Loures Line Expansion Project

14 hours ago
890
Data Protection Commission Investigates Chega Leader for Disclosing Minors' Names in Parliament

Data Protection Commission Investigates Chega Leader for Disclosing Minors' Names in Parliament

15 hours ago
990
Shocking Crime in Torres Vedras: 13-Year-Old Boy Raped by Store Employee

Shocking Crime in Torres Vedras: 13-Year-Old Boy Raped by Store Employee

17 hours ago
1010
Douro Winemakers Take a Stand: Blocking Régua Bridge in Protest Against Crisis

Douro Winemakers Take a Stand: Blocking Régua Bridge in Protest Against Crisis

19 hours ago
960
Court Halts Demolitions in Loures: A Battle Over Illegal Constructions

Court Halts Demolitions in Loures: A Battle Over Illegal Constructions

20 hours ago
930
Romania Secures Fourth Consecutive U19 Boys Title in Nail-Biting Final Against Portugal

Romania Secures Fourth Consecutive U19 Boys Title in Nail-Biting Final Against Portugal

22 hours ago
990
Helena Roseta Threatens Legal Action Against Loures Council Over Controversial Demolitions

Helena Roseta Threatens Legal Action Against Loures Council Over Controversial Demolitions

1 day ago
960
Tragedy in Albufeira: Two British Tourists Drown in Holiday Apartment Pool

Tragedy in Albufeira: Two British Tourists Drown in Holiday Apartment Pool

1 day ago
920
Israeli Sniper Spotted in Lisbon: Belgian Organization Calls for Arrest Over Alleged War Crimes

Israeli Sniper Spotted in Lisbon: Belgian Organization Calls for Arrest Over Alleged War Crimes

1 day ago
990
Portuguese Air Force Explains Daily Helicopter Flights Between Algarve and Alentejo for Wildfire Combat

Portuguese Air Force Explains Daily Helicopter Flights Between Algarve and Alentejo for Wildfire Combat

23 hours ago
920