New railway contract to connect Santiago to south-western Chile
ETF, as agent, and Colas Rail have been selected by the construction company Dragados-Besalco to carry out a new railway project in Chile on behalf of the national railway network operator EFE.
Scheduled to take place over the next three years, the project will include dismantling the existing tracks, supplying the equipment (rails, sleepers, ballast, catenary systems) and laying and commissioning the new suburban line.
This project involves the construction of the second section of the Alameda-Melipilla line, which is 21.5 kilometres long. It includes the construction of three new ballasted tracks equipped with catenary systems: two tracks reserved for passenger transport and one track dedicated to freight. Work is scheduled to begin at the end of August 2025.
“ETF has been present in Chile since the construction of the first Santiago metro line. With over 40 years’ experience in major Chilean urban and national rail projects, ETF is currently involved in the maintenance of all Santiago’s metro lines. This new peri-urban contract confirms ETF’s commitment to the development of carbon-free transport in Chile,” said Fabrice Guégan, President of ETF.
This future line will connect the capital Santiago to the south-west of the country and will benefit 57 million passengers each year, reducing their journey time by around one hour.