Train service disruptions in Douro have been denied
In a recent announcement, Comboios de Portugal (CP) has revealed plans to adjust the allocation of its rolling stock, aiming to better serve customer mobility needs. One of the key changes involves the return of some UTD 592 series railcars to Renfe due to contractual usage limits.
Despite the return of these railcars, CP has reported no change to commercial service on the Douro Line, specifically between Marco de Canaveses and Régua. This assurance comes after some media speculation suggesting otherwise.
The reallocation of diesel units to the Douro Line is a result of the ongoing electrification of some lines in the country and the arrival of new trains. However, no specific details were given about which lines are being electrified or the exact arrival of the new trains.
It's worth noting that the Douro Line has been a busy and important route, transporting over 7 million passengers in 2024 alone. The line continues to operate strongly into 2025.
Additional context includes ongoing operations such as the Historic Douro Train service, which has experienced some changes due to infrastructure constraints. These changes, however, do not affect the regular commercial services on the Marco de Canaveses-Régua section.
CP's public communications as of late July 2025 confirm continuity in the operation of services on the Douro Line without modification due to equipment changes. The return of UTD 592 series railcars by CP will not result in the cancellation of any trains, and the ongoing electrification of some lines and the arrival of new trains will bring changes to the Douro Line.
References:
- CP press release, July 2025.
- CP spokesperson interview, July 2025.
- CP customer service response, July 2025.
- Douro Line service updates, July 2025.
- Passenger statistics for Douro Line, 2024.
Despite the return of UTD 592 series railcars and the ongoing electrification of some lines in Portugal, commercial service on the Douro Line, specifically between Marco de Canaveses and Régua, remains unchanged, as confirmed by Comboios de Portugal (CP) in their public communications. The reallocation of diesel units and the arrival of new trains will bring changes to the Douro Line in the future.
