The reality of rail transport in Portugal is different compared to other European countries, as high-speed rail has not yet arrived in the country. Although there are a number of projects underway, a very ambitious proposal has emerged in relation to the Starline network.
According to Euronews, the revolutionary project, called Starline, was presented by think thank 21st Europe and aims to connect 39 European destinations in a kind of ‘metro’ system. In this scenario, Lisbon and Milan would be linked, without the need for an airplane.
The map also includes other countries such as Ukraine and even Turkey. However, it doesn’t look like we’ll be able to enjoy such an infrastructure any time soon, since, if it is feasible, the forecast is for it to be built by the end of the century.
A brief look at Starline
Nowadays, traveling in Europe is easier than ever thanks to low-cost flights. However, can you imagine a future where you can reach Spain and Italy by ‘metro’?
Conceived as a metro [Starline] changes the way Europeans look at their own continent: not as a collection of distant capitals, but as a single, fast network, where all connections, whether for people or goods, are easily accessible,” says 21st Europe, quoted by Euronews.
How would the European metro network work?
In addition to the project’s unparalleled cross-border dimension, there are other features that stand out, such as:
- Journeys of between 300 and 400 km
- Classless cabins, depending on needs, such as: quiet areas for those who need to work and family areas
- Blue design inspired by the colors of the European Union flag
- It is presented as an environmental solution, since a high-speed line can produce up to 90% less CO₂ compared to short flights.
Feasibility of this ambitious project?
A project with such an ambitious essence raises some doubts as to its likely feasibility. Nevertheless, 21st Europe explains to Euronews that it believes it can be made a reality by the end of the century.
To make it work, a lot of investment will be needed, as well as harmonized labour agreements, technical standards and safety regulations, including the collaboration of the governments and countries involved.