The dream of a seamless connection between the Iberian Peninsula's cultural powerhouses, Lisbon and Madrid, is closer than ever. While there's currently no high-speed train service between the two cities, a recently approved plan by the Portuguese Cabinet promises to revolutionise travel times.
Currently, the journey between Lisbon and Madrid can take upwards of 10 hours by conventional train. The new high-speed AVE line, however, aims to slash that time to a mere 3 hours. This would create a direct and swift connection,significantly boosting tourism and business travel between the two capitals.
The project isn't without its hurdles. The ambitious timeline anticipates completion by 2034, with a potential interim reduction to six hours by 2027. A major obstacle lies in constructing a new bridge over the Tagus River, a complex undertaking expected to take up to nine years on its own.
Despite the challenges, the announcement has been met with enthusiasm. Proponents hail the economic and social benefits of a high-speed link. Tourists would have easier access to both cities' rich cultural offerings, and business travel would become significantly more efficient.
While we wait for the first high-speed train to zip between Lisbon and Madrid, the future of Iberian travel appears to be speeding up.
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