The total cost of the project is €267m and it encompasses creating a second alignment at Alcácer do Sal and upgrading the Bombel – Vidigal – Évora section.

Portuguese secretary of state for infrastructure, transport and communications, Mr Sergio Monteiro, says work on his country's section of the line from Sines to Madrid will commence this year and should be completed by 2019. A furthern extension to the port of Lisbon is expected to be completed in 2021. The project will reduce transport costs to Madrid by 40%.