"Our ambition in relation to the extension of the railway network is greater than the financial availability and therefore, as the country's financies will allow, we will be able to move forward", the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Pedro Nuno Santos, admitted to journalists.

However, the government official stated that "it must be a national ambition" that the line extends to Barca d'Alva, so that it can "benefit, enhance and explore the Douro river through the railroad", which he considered to be a "unique experience” and “very important for the whole region”.

In May, the working group that will study and define the model for reopening the section of the Douro Line, between Pocinho and Barca d’Alva, was formalized, and is expected to present the conclusions within 14 months.

This group will study and outline the model for reopening the 28-kilometer railway section that was closed in 1988, is coordinated by the North Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR-N), and also brings together two mayors, representing the Intermunicipal Community of the Douro and elements of Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP).