New Glória funicular expected to be operational by 2029

Monday, 31 August 2026AI summary

📍 Lisbon 🚇 Infrastructure 🏖️ Daily Life #public-transport #carris #funicular #lisbon

New Glória funicular expected to be operational by 2029 — Photo: JOAO PORFIRIO/OBSERVADOR

Transport operator Carris plans to launch an international tender in early 2027 to reconstruct the Glória funicular in Lisbon. The project aims to deliver a safer, modern system by 2029, nearly four years after a fatal accident halted operations. Officials emphasize that safety remains the primary requirement for the new design.

Update: Lisbon officials defend support for Glória funicular victims

The vice-president of Lisbon City Council stated that the municipality and Carris have provided comprehensive support to the victims and families affected by the 2025 accident, which resulted in 16 deaths and 24 injuries.

Context & Explainers

Carris is the public transport company responsible for operating buses and trams in Lisbon. It is a state-owned entity that serves as the primary provider of surface public transit within the city limits.

The Lisbon City Council (Câmara Municipal de Lisboa) is the executive governing body of Portugal's capital, composed of 17 elected councilors representing different political forces, led by a mayor (currently Carlos Moedas). Its mission is to define and implement policies promoting municipal development across diverse sectors. The Council's responsibilities include: urban planning and construction; social services and housing; education and culture; environmental protection; waste management; public health; transport and mobility; heritage conservation; civil protection; economic development; tourism; sports and leisure; municipal police oversight; and managing public spaces, roads, and infrastructure. Operating under the Ministry of Internal Affairs framework, the Council manages 24 parishes (reduced from 53 in 2012), implements affordable rent programs, collects municipal tourist taxes, issues building permits, maintains allotments and green spaces, and coordinates emergency response systems. As Portugal's largest municipality, Lisbon City Council plays a central role in shaping the capital's development, quality of life, and cultural identity.