French manufacturer Alstom and Spanish rival Talgo are both vying to supply Portuguese rail operator CP with new high-speed trains, according to a report from Público.
The competition centres on a tender for trains capable of running at up to 300 km/h, as reported by ECO. Público states that the two companies are the main contenders for the contract, which would support CP’s planned expansion into high-speed rail services.
The tender has drawn attention to technical differences between the bidders. Dinheiro Vivo reports that Alstom and Talgo are discussing issues related to the Iberian gauge — the track width used in Portugal and Spain — as well as maintenance arrangements. These factors are expected to play a key role in determining which bid succeeds, as CP will need trains compatible with existing infrastructure and long-term service support.
Jornal de Negócios also confirms that both manufacturers are in the running to supply the high-speed fleet. The reports do not specify the number of trains requested or the financial value of the contract.
The move comes as Portugal prepares to introduce high-speed rail connections, a significant step for a network that has traditionally relied on conventional lines. CP has not yet announced a timeline for awarding the contract, and no official statements from either Alstom or Talgo are cited in the reports.
What to watch next: which bidder’s proposal on gauge compatibility and maintenance proves more convincing to CP, and whether any other manufacturers enter the race before a final decision.
