Porto-Lisbon high-speed rail project receives environmental approval
The Portuguese Environment Agency (Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente or APA) has approved the execution project for the first section of the high-speed rail line connecting Porto and Lisbon. The route between Campanhã and Oiã will feature a combined rail and road bridge over the Douro River and an underground station in Gaia. Construction is expected to begin this month, with the full line projected to connect the two cities in 1 hour and 32 minutes by 2032.
The APA (Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente) is Portugal's central environmental authority, responsible for environmental policy, climate action, water resources, waste management, and coastal protection. It operates under the Ministry of Environment and Energy.
APA manages Portugal's water resources including river basins, dam operations, and flood risk planning. It monitors air and water quality, oversees waste treatment facilities, manages the national emissions trading scheme, and leads Portugal's climate adaptation strategies.
The agency is particularly prominent during flood events, as it controls dam discharges and coordinates water management across Portugal's major rivers. APA also processes environmental impact assessments and licenses for projects affecting natural resources.
The high-speed rail project (Linha de Alta Velocidade) is a major infrastructure initiative designed to connect Porto and Lisbon, with future extensions planned toward Vigo in Spain. The current phase focuses on the Porto-Gaia connection, which includes building a new bridge over the Douro River and an underground station in Gaia to improve regional connectivity and reduce travel times.
