Cascais Line Services Disrupted as Portugal's Largest-Ever Train Order Takes Shape

Commuters on Lisbon's busy Cascais railway line are facing reduced services and schedule disruptions as Infraestruturas de Portugal presses ahead with the final phase of a multi-year modernisation programme. The restrictions, which began on April 6, affect the Caxias to Cascais section and are expected to continue for several weeks.

The disruptions come as Portugal prepares for the largest rail fleet renewal in its history — a €1.03 billion order for 153 new Alstom trains that will begin entering service in 2029, transforming suburban and regional rail across the country.

What's Happening on the Cascais Line

The 25.4-kilometre line between Cais do Sodré and Cascais is undergoing a comprehensive upgrade that includes:

• Electrification conversion from the legacy 1,500V DC system to the modern 25kV AC standard used on the rest of the Portuguese rail network
• Installation of ETCS Level 2 signalling, Europe's most advanced train control system
• Track renewal and station modernisation along the entire corridor

The switch to 25kV AC alone is expected to cut energy consumption by approximately 50 percent and allow the Cascais line to be fully integrated with the national rail network for the first time — enabling through-running services that are currently impossible.

Station works will continue into 2027 and 2028, but the core infrastructure upgrade is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Portugal's Biggest-Ever Train Order

In parallel, CP — Comboios de Portugal finalised an expanded contract with Alstom on March 10 for 153 Adessia Stream trains, up from the original 117-unit order signed in October 2025. The deal is worth €1.03 billion and represents the single largest rolling stock procurement in Portuguese history.

The fleet breaks down as follows:

• 98 suburban trains for the Lisbon, Porto and Cascais networks
• 55 regional trains for inter-city and regional services

Each three-car trainset will carry up to 450 passengers and is designed specifically for the Portuguese market, meeting EU accessibility and sustainability standards.

New Factory in Matosinhos

As part of the contract, Alstom will establish a new train manufacturing facility in Matosinhos, in the Porto metropolitan area. The plant is expected to create around 300 direct jobs and will serve as a long-term maintenance and assembly hub, reducing Portugal's dependence on foreign rail manufacturing.

What Commuters Should Know

During the current works phase, the Cascais line is operating with reduced frequency and some services are being replaced by bus connections, particularly during off-peak hours. CP has published updated timetables on its website and app. Commuters are advised to allow extra travel time and check for real-time updates before departing.

The investment is part of a broader €5 billion national rail modernisation plan that includes high-speed rail studies, new rolling stock across all service tiers, and station accessibility upgrades nationwide.

Sources: Infraestruturas de Portugal, Alstom, Observador, CP — Comboios de Portugal, Global Railway Review