CHILE: Plans to reintroduce passenger services between Santiago and Valparaíso have been announced by President Gabriel Boric.
The revival of the services which last ran in 1986 forms part of the government’s Trains for Chile investment programme.
The president said the end-to-end journey time of 1½ h on the 178 km route would be comparable to driving and bus services, but rail would offer greater certainty and lower pollution, while the intermediate stops would support development in towns along the route.
Tenders are to be called this year for studies assessing the investment required to restore passenger trains. Preliminary estimates put the cost at US$1·32bn, with the launch of services envisaged for 2030.
From Quinta Normal in Santiago to Batuco Tiltil, Llay-Llay, La Calera and Limanche, trains would run over an existing freight railway. This is to be modernised, grade separated and electrified; it is also envisaged that suburban services would be launched between Quinta Normal and Batuco and between La Calera and Limache. A new alignment is proposed between Limache and El Salto in Viña del Mar, where it would meet national railway EFE’s Valparaíso suburban network.
- EFE reported on January 26 that it had received offers from CRRC Sifang, Alstom and CAF in response to a tender for the supply of 22 EMUs or battery-electric bi-mode trainsets for the future Santiago – Melipilla suburban service plus 10 more for Quinta Normal – Batuco. The national railway is seeking EMUs or battery-electric bi-mode trainsets capable of 140 km/h operation with capacity for at least 800 passengers. A preferred bidder is expected to be named before the end of June.
