Maiden trip for the commissioning of the electric train service between Nine e Viana

Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa embarks on the maiden trip for the commissioning of the electric train service on the Minho Line between Nine and Viana do Castelo.

On 15 July, a ceremony was held at the Viana station to celebrate the maiden trip for the commissioning of the electric train service between the Nine and Viana do Castelo Stations on the Minho Line. This ceremony was attended by Prime Minister António Costa, the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Pedro Nuno Santos and the members of the IP’s Board of Directors, as well as other individuals.

The electrification project contract job, carried out by SOMAFEL under a joint venture agreement, included, in addition to the electrification of a 44 km track section, the elevation and extension of passenger platforms, changes in the layouts of the stations of Barcelos, Darque and Viana do Castelo, implementation of the traction current return system and protective earth (TRC + PE) systems, among other works.

With the completion of this project, the travel time along the Minho Line has been reduced by eliminating the transhipment from electric trains to diesel trains in Nine. Transport capacity has also increased as a result of the widening of the passenger platforms and the increase in the number of crossing lines.

Finally, rail and road safety levels are higher as a result of the suppression and automation of level crossings and the construction of rail road grade separations.