PERU: Government investment agency ProInversión has invited bids for a contract to undertake studies for reopening the 60 km railway that connects the city of Tacna with the port of Arica in Chile.
Out of service since May 2012 due to poor track condition, the 1 435 mm gauge Tacna – Arica route was latterly operated with two 60-seat diesel railcars and a 900 hp Alco DL531 locomotive dating from 1957.
According to the tender documentation, studies to be undertaken by the winning bidder will include an assessment of the demand for restoring passenger services between Tacna and Arica, as well as the potential for urban services within Tacna itself. Freight studies will include work to determine the potential for modal shift from road as well as identifying potential traffic for export via the port of Arica.
Under a revised timetable, bids are due to be submitted by 16.00 on June 27. Following the assessment of technical proposals, ProInversión expects to announce the preferred bidder on June 30.
