Lisbon Metro Expansion to Alcântara: A Dream Deferred Until at Least 2026?

Major Setback for Lisbon Metro Expansion

The planned 4-kilometer extension of the Lisbon Metro to Alcântara, which includes four new stations, is now deemed "materially impossible" to complete by the end of 2026, according to the National Monitoring Commission of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (CNA-PRR).

Pedro Dominguinhos, the president of the CNA-PRR, highlighted that the project has faced two judicial challenges which have now concluded. Work commenced in May, but various setbacks have placed the project in a "critical" state, raising doubts about its completion by the deadline. The report indicates that there are substantial concerns regarding whether the project can be operational with passengers by December 31, 2026.

Investment Under Scrutiny

The European Commission has suggested that it may be possible to partially or fully substitute some investments if necessary approvals are obtained. The report emphasizes the urgency for both the Mission Structure Recover Portugal and the government to reconsider their strategies regarding this investment, especially since it is funded through a loan rather than a grant.

The extension will include new stations at Campolide/Amoreiras, Campo de Ourique, Infante Santo, and Alcântara, which is intended to connect to the future Sustainable Intermodal Line, enhancing connectivity to the Oeiras municipality.