The fastest train in South America now goes to Chillán
The new service begins this Thursday, and will connect Santiago with Ñuble in record time.
The fastest train in South America has finally taken an important step forward, arriving for the first time in the city of Chillán. It is the only long-distance service currently available on a regular basis (400 km).
It should be noted that the weather fronts that struck in June and August of 2023 generated significant damage to the trunk railway bridges in the Maule Region. Four of the network’s bridges suffered major damage, one was in need of improvements, and two others suffered minor damage to their access embankments.
This situation explains why the operation of the new trains could not be implemented in the fourth quarter of 2023, and was pushed back to the first quarter of 2024.
President Gabriel Boric was on the train’s inaugural journey alongside Transport Minister Juan Carlos Muñoz. They highlighted that this modern, high-standard service will benefit an estimated 2 million people and receive 800,000 passengers per year.
With the launch of this fast train, Chile is at the forefront of this type of service. Justice is also done for the many areas of the country that for years have been neglected in terms of public transport.
This is how the fast train to Chillán was implemented
The fast train began its service to Curicó on January 19. Then on March 12, it was extended to Talca. From Thursday, April 18, it will reach Chillán.
To put this long-distance service into operation, an investment of US148.5 million was made available. US$71 million went towards the acquisition of new trains and US$77.5 million for infrastructure works.
The works include the improvement (platform elevation) and modernization of stations in San Bernardo, Rancagua, San Fernando, Curicó (reconstruction), Molina, Talca, San Javier, Linares, Parral, San Carlos and Chillán. They also include the construction of a maintenance workshop and the incorporation of six new trains.
Both the regular and express service will be implemented gradually. The journey time between Santiago and Chillán will initially exceed four hours, but this time will decrease as the project’s various works are completed.
It is important to highlight that the State Railway Company, EFE, has planned large investments in order to continue developing the Trains for Chile Plan that the government is promoting. The amount will exceed US$8 billion by 2030, invested in large projects that will allow the service to make 150 million trips a year.