The fastest train in South America arrives in Talca

Great news about the railways continues. President Gabriel Boric announced today the return of the passenger service to Talca, and with it the debut of the fastest train in South America to the capital of Maule. 

The new service will begin operating this March 14, with a travel time of 2 hours and 43 minutes. The president also announced the start of reconstruction works on the Curicó Station, which was demolished as a result of the damage caused by the 2010 earthquake. 

The project includes modern infrastructure with closed-circuit surveillance cameras, parking lots, universal access, green areas and bike racks. 

The president made the journey by train to Talca. He recalled that the service was interrupted by rain last June and August, which damaged four railway bridges and two embankments in Maule. For this reason, the operation of the fast train to Curicó could begin only with the repairs made last January, and this month the stretch to Talca was completed. 

With regard to the restoration of the service to Chillán, it was reported that progressive implementation is being considered to arrive at the city in the second quarter of the year. 

Implementation of the fastest train in South America

The Chillán – Santiago train is the only currently-available regular long-distance service (400 kilometers) in Chile. 

The project to implement the fastest train in South America included the improvement and modernization of stations in San Bernardo, Rancagua, San Fernando, Curicó (reconstruction), Molina, Talca, San Javier, Linares, Parral, San Carlos and Chillán.

It also includes the construction of a maintenance workshop and the incorporation of six new trains, which will allow the express service to Chillán to arrive in less than 4 hours (reducing travel times by one hour) and the regular service to arrive in 4 hours 5 minutes (a reduction of more than 50 minutes).