A new high-speed rail line linking Lisbon to Porto in just 75 minutes will likely become the most expensive government project in Portuguese history. Initial cost estimates put the project, divided into three phrases and scheduled for completion in 2030, at €4.5 billion ($4.8bn/£4bn).
However, that has already grown to €5.5 billion ($6bn/£4.7bn). Phase 1 of the line, from Porto to Soure, went to tender in early 2024, with the government seeking a public-private partnership worth nearly €2 billion ($2.2bn/£1.7bn) to fund, design and build the initial line.
Government funding, including money from the EU, will cover the remaining costs of the estimated €3.6 billion ($3.9bn/£3.1) Phase 1 work.