What is happening
Infrastructure manager Infraestruturas de Portugal is testing the 88 km mixed-traffic line using a CP train formation with a Class 5600 locomotive and Intercidades coaches. The tests are assessing the track, catenary and rolling stock before commercial commissioning. The line is designed for passenger trains at up to 250 km/h and freight trains at up to 120 km/h, with signalling and train control systems compatible with ERTMS.
Why is it on the Radar?
The route is part of the future Lisbon–Madrid rail corridor via Extremadura. According to the source, it is expected to improve journey times and cross-border rail capacity.