Algarve’s diesel trains to boost rail services in Alentejo and West – Portugal Resident

The diesel trains that have served the Algarve’s regional railway for years will soon begin a new chapter elsewhere in Portugal, with the government confirming they will be redeployed to strengthen rail services on the Oeste (West) and Alentejo lines.

The announcement comes ahead of Sunday (July 19), when regional train services in the Algarve will become fully electric, bringing an end to the use of diesel multiple units on the line.

According to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing, the trains freed up by the electrification of the Algarve railway will be reassigned by national railway authority CP – Comboios de Portugal to reinforce services in the Oeste and Alentejo, where demand for additional rolling stock has long been recognised.

The ministry said the change is one of the wider benefits of the €45 million modernisation and electrification project, carried out by national infrastructure authority Infraestruturas de Portugal, which has transformed regional rail services in the Algarve.

From Sunday, passengers in the region will benefit from an 18% increase in regional services, with more trains during peak periods, direct services between Lagos and Vila Real de Santo António and improved connections with long-distance trains.

The introduction of electric trains will also increase passenger capacity from 388 to 536 places, including seated and standing passengers, while offering quieter journeys and lower emissions, officials say.

Although the Algarve is saying goodbye to its diesel fleet, the trains will continue to play an important role in Portugal’s rail network, helping to expand services on two regional lines that still rely on diesel traction.