ARGENTINA: Three memoranda of understanding for co-operation to modernise the Belgrano Norte, Sarmiento and Urquiza suburban railways in Buenos Aires have been signed by the Ministry of Transport & Infrastructure and representatives of Chinese companies CRRC Qingdao Sifang and China Railway International Group.
It is envisaged that CRIG would modernise the Sarmiento line, undertaking track, power supply and signalling renewals, installing optic fibre communications and constructing a control centre and depot.
CRIG could also modernise and electrify the Belgrano Norte line, with the scope including grade separation works, the supply of rolling stock and extending the line by 15 km to the Pilar industrial park.
CRRC Qingdao Sifang would modernise the General Urquiza railway, renewing the third rail electrification and supplying rolling stock.
In addition to the line modernisation works, is envisaged that CRRC could supply 111 vehicles for the Belgrano Sur line, 45 for the Sarmiento line, 20 for the Tren de la Costa and 90 for other regional and suburban services.
Minister of Transport Alexis Guerrera said the MoUs signed on January 20 marked a strengthening of ties with China and a very important step for Argentina’s transport modernisation plan.
