Vila Real, Portugal, May 25, 2026 (Lusa) - Portuguese state-owned infrastructure managing company, Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP), said on Monday that it is developing plans to replace two bridges on the Douro Railway Line, following restrictions implemented in 2025 that prevent the steam locomotive from running.
The 2026 edition of the Douro Historic Train programme, run by passenger train operator CP - Comboios de Portugal, begins on 6 June, with the historic carriages hauled by a 1400-series diesel locomotive due to restrictions on the line, implemented in 2025, which prevent the historic steam locomotive from running.
When questioned by Lusa about these restrictions on rail traffic, IP said that a new study is underway and that it is also developing “plans to replace the two bridges, with completion and the subsequent launch of the tendering procedures expected in the second half of 2026”.
The company clarified that, in June 2025, a regulatory assessment study was carried out on the safety conditions for the historic steam locomotive to cross the Corgo and Tua River bridges on the Douro Railway Line.
The National Laboratory for Civil Engineering (LNEC) monitored and technically assessed the study.
The conclusions indicate that, on both bridges, current safety requirements are not met for the operation of the steam locomotive.
“In its assessment report, LNEC agrees with the IP's methodological approaches, specifically regarding the numerical model of the structures, the loads considered, and the criteria used in the safety assessment, and validates the conclusions reached,” it explained, emphasising that, in this context, restrictions on the operation of the historic train’s steam locomotive remain in place.
These restrictions do not affect the current regular rail service, but mean that the historic train cannot be hauled using the steam locomotive.
IP has announced that a new study is currently under development, resulting from collaboration between the IP, CP and the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, involving the instrumentation of a locomotive, to reassess the conclusions of the 2025 study based on actual measurements recorded.
The 2026 edition of the Douro Historical Train is scheduled to run 51 trips between 6 June and 18 October.
The trips, which depart from Peso da Régua station (Vila Real district) and run to Foz Tua (Bragança district), take place on Saturdays, Sundays and some Wednesdays.
Hauled by a 1400-series diesel locomotive, painted in its original colours, the Douro Heritage Train comprises five historic carriages from the early 20th century, with a total seating capacity of 254.
For around three hours, passengers travel back in time against the backdrop of a landscape designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, in an experience that combines railway heritage, cultural entertainment and direct contact with the Douro region.
During the journey, there is music on board and strategic stops in Pinhão and Tua (Vila Real district), where passengers can meet local producers, sample and purchase regional products, and visit sites showcasing the heritage and culture of the Douro.
CP said in a statement that the Douro Heritage Train “continues as one of the most consistent rail tourism offerings in Portugal, promoting the use of the train to explore the region and strengthening the CP brand’s reputation”.
PLI/MYAL // AYLS
Lusa
