In Portugal, the railway sector is overseen by the Ministry for Public Works, Transport and Communications (MOPTC), which was derived from the Ministry for Public Works, Trade and Industry, created in 1852.

Inspired by the reforms for the railway sector promoted by the European Union, the Portuguese railway model includes:

• The Institute for Mobility and Surface Transport (IMTT), which is responsible for regulating, supervising and developing the railway sector;
   
• The infrastructure manager (REFER);
   
• Operators of passenger and goods transport services (CP, FERTAGUS, CP Carga, TAKARGO, COMSA).