Concessions confused
Sir - I read with interest the two news items on Argentina in your June issue. However, I was somewhat puzzled by the reference to extending the electrification of the Sarmiento line from Bancalari (RG 6.98 p371). Bancalari is in fact on the Mitre route, and I assume that TBA is in fact looking to electrify the Merlo - Mariano Acosta and Moreno - General Rodríguez sections of the Sarmiento network.
The other item concerned the Transpatagónico study (p368). Your map incorrectly showed the Zapala to Lonquimay link as disused, when in fact it has never been built and remains a proposal. The point that really intrigues me is why no consideration has been given to rebuilding to 1676mm gauge the disused 1000mm gauge route between Mendoza in Argentina and Los Andes in Chile. This would form a marvellous landbridge for container traffic from Valparaíso and other Chilean ports to Buenos Aires.
J M Lowe
Blairgowrie, Great Britain
Shopping names
Sir - I noticed the story about a light rail line planned for Montevideo on your web site and then in RG 6.98 p371. I should point out that the shopping centres served by the Blue light rail line are called Punta Carretas (not Puerte Carrelos) and Montevideo (not Mantendeo), and the northern terminus and interchange with metro Red line should be Damaso A Larrañaga.
Marcelo Benoit
Montevideo, Uruguay
