Renfe starts approval process for Portugal high-speed trains

Spain’s Renfe has started the process to certify 30 high-speed trains for use in Portugal, in an early move to position itself for future services on the country’s planned high-speed network.

The trains are Talgo series 106 and 107 models equipped with variable-gauge wheelsets, allowing them to run on different track systems. Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente said in an interview with Europa Press that the models are well suited to Portugal because part of the country’s rail network uses Iberian gauge and that Renfe is trying to certify them so it can operate there.

According to Spanish daily Expansión, citing sources close to the operation, Renfe will shift to Portugal a certification plan that had originally been intended for France and expand it from 10 to 30 units. The report said the trains will need signalling and safety technology adapted to the Portuguese rail network, requiring at least €20 million of investment in the fleet.

Expansión also said Renfe is targeting the Vigo-Porto and Lisbon-Madrid routes. Puente said Spain aims to complete its side of the connections by 2030, while waiting for the Portuguese side. Under the current timetable cited in the material, the Porto-border section is due to be completed in 2032 and the Lisbon connection in 2034.

The move comes as Portuguese state rail operator CP is running a tender for 12 trainsets for high-speed lines, with an option for eight more, with France’s Alstom and Spain’s Talgo among the bidders. The Portuguese government has also approved spending for a second tender that could add six more trains, with a focus on international service.

Originally published at Eco.pt