Passenger train services could one day return to Sines, although not on the town’s current railway line, which has been used exclusively for freight since passenger services were discontinued in 1990.

Instead, Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP) is studying a new railway line that would accommodate both passenger and freight trains. According to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing, the project forms part of Portugal’s National Railway Plan and aims to increase transport capacity to and from the Port of Sines, while also providing an alternative to the existing railway line.

The government has confirmed that there are no plans to bring passenger services back to the current Sines line, which was adapted over the years to strengthen freight connections with the port.

The proposed project has been welcomed locally, with Sines Mayor Álvaro Beijinha previously arguing that restoring passenger rail links would make it easier for people to live in neighbouring areas and commute to the city, helping to ease pressure on the local housing market.

Meanwhile, the new railway connection between Évora and the Spanish border is expected to open in early 2027. Once operational, it is expected to cut freight journey times between Sines and Spain by around three and a half hours while also reducing transport costs, further strengthening the Port of Sines as an international logistics hub.