Chile: Contract Awarded for New Santiago–Batuco Rail Line

EFE Trenes de Chile has awarded a contract to begin construction of surface works for the Santiago–Batuco urban train line, which will expand rail transport in the capital’s northern area.

The contract, valued at 470 million USD, is the largest civil and railway works agreement in the state-owned company’s history. It was awarded to the Gran Andes SPA consortium, which brings together China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) and its subsidiaries CR22 and CRCEB.

Transport Minister Juan Carlos Muñoz said:

This is not just a signature on paper, this is much more significant, because it is the concrete beginning, the taking shape of a project that is moving forward. As a government, together with EFE, we have promoted this and other railway projects on all fronts, which will have a great impact on our citizens.

The agreement covers the Mapocho–Batuco surface section, which will include six new stations in Renca, Quilicura and Lampa. According to EFE, the stations will be built with accessibility and safety features.

What’s more, the project involves two passenger tracks, one freight track, and seven railway bridges, including a new crossing over the Mapocho River. 12 grade-separated pedestrian crossings and five level-separated road crossings are also included.

The Santiago–Batuco line represents an overall investment of approximately 950 million USD. It will extend for 26 kilometres with eight stations, six above ground and two underground. The journey between Batuco and Quinta Normal is expected to take 26 minutes once the line is in service, compared with the current travel time of around one hour 20 minutes.

The service is forecast to carry around 35 million passengers a year, serving five municipalities with a population of roughly one million people. Connections will be available to Santiago Metro lines 3, 5 and 7.

Ten new trains are being manufactured for the service. They will be fitted with air conditioning, security cameras, information screens and step-free access.

Surface works are scheduled to begin in December 2025. New trains are due to arrive in 2027, with partial operation between Batuco and Quilicura planned for 2028. Full service is expected by 2030.

A tender for the underground section, between Mapocho and Quinta Normal, is planned for the final quarter of 2025.