Lisbon-Porto High-Speed Line – Railway Technology

This article explores the significant technological advancements and infrastructural upgrades undertaken to enhance the Lisbon-Porto railway line in Portugal. The project aimed to dramatically improve passenger travel times and comfort between Portugal’s two largest cities. This involved not only the acquisition of state-of-the-art rolling stock but also a comprehensive overhaul of the existing track infrastructure. The project’s success serves as a case study in modernizing existing railway networks to meet increasing demands for speed, efficiency, and passenger comfort. We will examine the key elements of this upgrade, focusing on the signaling system, track improvements, the design and implementation of the Alfa Pendular trains, and the broader implications for Portugal’s national rail network. The analysis will highlight the challenges overcome during the project, including maintaining operational service while undertaking major works, and discuss the long-term vision for high-speed rail in Portugal.

Track and Infrastructure Upgrades

The Lisbon-Porto line upgrade was a comprehensive undertaking. REFER (Rede Ferroviária de Portugal, the Portuguese railway infrastructure manager), oversaw a near-total renewal of this crucial artery. This involved replacing existing rails extensively with UIC60 and UIC54 rails on monobloc and bibloc concrete sleepers. Significant realignment work was carried out to ease numerous sharp curves along the route, and a considerable number of new bridges were constructed to eliminate dangerous level crossings. The project was divided into three distinct sections: Braco de Prata-Entroncamento, Entroncamento-Pampilhosa, and Pampilhosa-Vila Nova de Gaia. Construction began in 1998’s first quarter and concluded in the summer of 2001. The project presented a logistical challenge: maintaining regular passenger and freight services while undertaking such extensive work. This was particularly challenging at Bobadela, where a major new rail freight hub was constructed simultaneously.

The Alfa Pendular Trainsets

CP (Comboios de Portugal, the Portuguese national railway company) commissioned ten six-car Alfa Pendular trainsets to operate the upgraded line. These tilting trains, based on Fiat’s ETR460 ‘Pendolino’ design, were assembled at the Adtranz Amadora plant in Portugal, increasing domestic involvement in the project. The bogies were redesigned to accommodate Portugal’s 1,668mm (5 ft 6 in) Iberian gauge track, and the 510 kW traction motors were mounted underfloor. Each bogie features an active lateral suspension system and a spring parking brake, and for ease of maintenance, motor and trailer bogies are interchangeable. The use of eight asynchronous three-phase motors, with two independent traction motors per carriage, provides redundancy in case of motor failure. Advanced technology is utilized in the train’s tilting mechanism, controlled by a computer system receiving data from transducers on the front bogie. Passenger comfort was a priority, with seating for 96 first-class and 203 standard-class passengers, plus wheelchair spaces, and independent air conditioning for both passenger and driver compartments. In-seat audio entertainment and passenger information systems further enhance the travel experience.

Signaling and Control Systems Modernization

Simultaneously with track upgrades, the signaling system was completely modernized. The obsolete relay-based automatic fixed block signaling system was replaced with 31 electronic interlocking systems and three centralized traffic control (CTC) installations. This significant improvement to the signaling infrastructure allowed for increased train density and operational efficiency, significantly contributing to the reduced journey times achieved with the faster Alfa Pendular trains. The new system also plays a crucial role in providing real-time passenger information through the onboard PA system and individual seat-back headphones. This integrated information system provides details about the route, the next stop, and offers multimedia entertainment through strategically located monitors.

High-Speed Rail Expansion: The Lisbon-Madrid Connection

The success of the Lisbon-Porto upgrade fueled further ambitions for high-speed rail in Portugal. A new public company, RAVE (Rede de Alta Velocidade), was established to plan a new high-speed line connecting Lisbon and Madrid. This ambitious €5 billion project, with 80% funding from the EU and the remaining amount from Portugal and Spain, would utilize standard gauge (1,435mm) track, and it was initially planned to be completed by 2015. While the line is now operational, certain stretches are not fully high-speed compliant yet. This project highlights Portugal’s commitment to integrating into the European high-speed rail network and signifies a major step toward improved connectivity and economic development.

Conclusions

The Lisbon-Porto high-speed line upgrade represents a significant achievement in railway modernization. The project delivered substantial improvements in travel times and passenger comfort between Portugal’s two largest cities through a combination of comprehensive infrastructure upgrades and the introduction of advanced tilting train technology. The overhaul encompassed the complete renewal of the track, the construction of new bridges and the implementation of modern signaling systems. The Alfa Pendular trainsets, with their advanced features, represent a significant step forward in passenger rail technology in Portugal. The success of the project is not just technological; it showcases the ability to manage complex large-scale infrastructure projects while maintaining operational service. The long-term vision extends beyond the Lisbon-Porto line, as the planned Lisbon-Madrid high-speed link emphasizes Portugal’s integration into a wider European high-speed rail network. The project’s success serves as a model for other countries seeking to modernize their existing rail infrastructure, highlighting the potential for substantial economic and social benefits. While the Lisbon-Madrid high-speed line project faced delays, it underlines the continued ambition and investment in high-speed rail in the Iberian Peninsula and Europe more broadly. The project’s completion (although delayed) demonstrates the long-term strategic commitment to high-speed rail, improving regional connectivity, boosting economic development, and providing a benchmark for future high-speed rail initiatives across Europe.

Company Information:

• REFER (Rede Ferroviária de Portugal): The Portuguese railway infrastructure manager.
• CP (Comboios de Portugal): The Portuguese national railway company.
• RAVE (Rede de Alta Velocidade): A public company established to plan Portugal’s high-speed rail network.
• Adtranz: A railway rolling stock manufacturer (now part of Bombardier Transportation).
• Fiat: An Italian multinational company with a significant historical presence in the railway industry.