The TFMG is connected to the national railway network (RFN) through the Beira Alta Line, specifically the Covilhã – Guarda section. The connection point to the RFN, managed by Infraestruturas de Portugal, SA (IP), is made from AMV 17 (PK 206.180 of line IV).

The infrastructure consists of three non-electrified railway tracks, in Iberian gauge (1668 mm), with the specified usable lengths and without any signalling assets.

In more detail, the track superstructure is composed of:

• 
  UIC 54 rails and Type I granite ballast;
• Lines A and B are composed of wooden sleepers with RNP elastic fastenings and monoblock concrete sleepers with Vossloh elastic fastenings;
• Line C is embedded in concrete;
• 3 rail bumpers.

Regarding the circulation conditions at the TFML, they are influenced by the gauge (kinematic reference contour), maximum load, maximum gradients, maximum speed, and maximum train length.

The kinematic reference contour (KRC) is defined as a reference line representing a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the track axis, relative to which a set of design rules for rolling stock and clearance to obstacles is applied.

Compliance with these rules ensures the safety of operations by guaranteeing that vehicles do not interfere with fixed installations or with each other on adjacent tracks.
At the APDL Freight Rail Terminals, the PTb+ (CPB+) gauge is ensured, as illustrated in the figure below.

Movements within the APDL Freight Rail Terminals are carried out under shunting conditions, resulting in the following maximum speeds:

Guarda Freight Rail Terminal (TFMG)

Lines A, B and C: 25 km/h e 10km/h in reverse situations.

The embankment that constitutes the TFMG covers an area of 29,756 m², with almost the entire area paved.

The entire area is fenced and equipped with a rainwater drainage system and exterior lighting.

There are also several support buildings for operations, which house the services supporting TFMG operations.

The main characteristics of this embankment are:

• Capacity for 850 TEUs
• Customs Classifications:
• Type A Customs Depot
• Temporary Storage
• Export Warehouse
• Availability for connection to refrigerated containers
• Area reserved for hazardous materials
• Cargo handling equipment:
• 3 Reach Stackers with a 40-ton capacity
• 1 Reach Stacker with an 8-ton capacity
• 1 Forklift with a 6-ton capacity

The Rail Freight Terminal Safety Management System policy ensures compliance with COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) No 2018/762 of 8 March 2018 establishing common safety methods for safety management system requirements pursuant to Directive (EU) 2016/798 of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Commission Regulations (EU) No 1158/2010 and (EU) No 1169/2010. It will be updated in line with the strategic objectives and taking into account the objectives and safety assessments carried out by APDL.

Measures to ensure railway safety should therefore be implemented within the scope of the APDL Rail Freight Terminal Safety Management System (SGSTFM), with the following objectives:

comply with the applicable legislation, regulations and standardisation that govern it;

Promote a positive safety culture on European railways;

Protecting installations and other railway and port facilities, with particular emphasis on people and goods;

To train and guide those involved in preventive actions and the actions to be taken in the event of a threat materialising, as well as to raise awareness of the importance of security among the people/employees of the Railway Facilities and the Port of Leixões, ensuring the necessary training and awareness;

Establishing coordination and information exchange relationships with the relevant Railway Security Stakeholders, with a view to reducing risk in general and, in particular, controlling threats;

Reducing operational risk through a broader assessment of risks and a more in-depth knowledge of workplace conditions and risks, by all levels of the organisation and the activities carried out by third parties;

Reduction in the occurrence of injuries to workers by eliminating the risks identified through more ‘near miss’ reports;

Reduction in unsafe conditions and acts through greater worker commitment and leadership development;

Reduction of costs related to worker injuries and unsafe conditions and acts;

Improved performance through a deeper understanding of workplace conditions;

Ensuring the implementation, monitoring, review, auditing and updating of the management programme, testing the measures implemented to ensure their effectiveness;

Continuously improving the effectiveness of the system, especially in preventing the occurrence of unwanted situations and their potential consequences.

Safety authorisation confirming acceptance of the safety management system, in accordance with Directive (EU) 2016/798 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016 and Decree-Law 85/2020 of 13 October.

SERVICE INSTALLATION INFORMATION DOCUMENT