Aid for modernisation of the Linha do Oeste rail line

Subject: Aid for modernisation of the Linha do Oeste rail line

In Portugal, the Linha do Oeste rail line is a strategic rail link, and a potential mainstay of mobility and logistics systems, with very relevant and positive economic, social and environmental impacts.

However, since 1990 the Linha do Oeste has seen a constant decline in the quality of the transport service.

In 2016, following successive modernisation projects which were never implemented, a new intervention project concerning the Linha do Oeste was made public – albeit only partially – for completion by the third quarter of 2020, within the scope of the Strategic Investment Plan for Railways – 2020.

However, the entire Linha do Oeste rail line needs to be modernised. Only then can it be used to its full potential as an inter-regional, regional and suburban rail line.

Can the Commission say:

What programmes and measures can support the modernisation of the entire line, involving the sections to the south and north of Caldas da Rainha, within the framework of the necessary review of the Strategic Investment Plan for Railways – 2020, and also including preparation for the replacement of rolling-stock, with the adoption of electric traction, the re-opening of stations and the installation of an electronic timetable and service update information system at all stations and stops?

Answer given by Ms Bulc on behalf of the European Commission

(10 October 2018)

Between Lisbon and Porto, the West line is part of the Atlantic Corridor of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T). As such, and as part of the core TEN-T network, it is eligible for studies and works for infrastructure, including electronic information systems, to Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funds.

Funds from the 2014-20 CEF Cohesion Envelope have been available at a high (up to 85%) co-funding rate and Portugal envelope has been fully committed. Rolling-stock however is not eligible for support.

It is the responsibility of the Portuguese Government and Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP) to identify which projects should be submitted to CEF, considering their priorities and the availability of budget, which is of course limited both at EU and national level.

In addition to CEF, projects may also be supported by the Cohesion Fund and the European Fund for Regional Development if they correspond to the objectives defined by the Portuguese authorities for the 2014-2020 period. In addition, the Investment Plan for Europe (the Juncker Plan) also offers opportunities in terms of loans and guarantees.