As reported by Publituris, Renfe has begun the homologation process for 30 Talgo trains from the 106 and 107 series, which would be adapted with variable-gauge technology to operate on Portugal’s railway network.

The planned investment is estimated at around €20 million, covering the installation of the signalling and safety systems required for the trains to meet the technical requirements of the Portuguese network.

Iberian network

Óscar Puente, Spanish Minister for Transport and Sustainable Mobility, confirmed that the company is working towards approval for the trains to operate in Portugal.

Speaking to Europa Press, he said the models were well suited to the Portuguese market because both Portugal and Spain use Iberian gauge on parts of their networks.

The adaptation work in Portugal is expected to take around 44 months, potentially allowing services to begin from 2030. This would coincide with the FIFA World Cup, which Portugal, Spain and Morocco will jointly host in 2030.

International corridors

Renfe is reportedly considering two main international corridors linking Portugal and Spain.

One would connect Vigo with Porto while the other would link Lisbon with Madrid via Badajoz.

In accordance with the projected timetable, the Lisbon-Madrid service could begin in 2032, with the Porto-Vigo connection expected to launch simultaneously. This route towards the Spanish border through Extremadura is expected to take longer, with completion currently anticipated in 2034.

The planned expansion would mark Renfe’s entry into Portugal’s high-speed rail market and reinforce links between the Iberian Peninsula’s major cities.