The modernisation works on the Cascais Line, which began three years late, are due to be completed only in 2028. To complete the works, the Government published an ordinance authorising IP – Infraestruturas de Portugal, to spend up to 33 million euros by the end of that year. This represents an increase in funding of around 11 million euros in relation to the amounts that had been initially budgeted.

“Infraestruturas de Portugal, S. A., is hereby authorised to proceed with the division of costs within the scope of the activities identified in the table attached to this ordinance, aiming at the overall implementation of the project “Modernization of the Cascais Railway Line”, namely, those related to the contracts and acquisition of goods and services, up to the total amount of 33,054,394.06 euros, to which VAT is added at the legal rate in force, if applicable, with maximum national financing of 50% of the total amount of the contracts”, details the ordinance published in the Official Gazette.

The new authorised amount replaces the previously authorised funds, which are revoked and which were calculated at approximately €22 million. In other words, IP is authorised to spend an additional 11 million euros to complete the modernization works on the Cascais Line.

“Considering several particularly adverse contextual factors, notably the international geopolitical context, which resulted in abrupt increases in the prices of raw materials, materials and labour, with particular emphasis on the construction sector, making financial execution impossible as initially planned and in accordance with the approvals of the respective charges, making it necessary to update the financial schedules of previously authorised multi-year charges and approve the expenditure and multi-year distribution of new associated activities, under the terms set out in the table attached to this ordinance”, explains the document.