OFFICIALS in Chile’s Concepción region have announced the completion of a key milestone in the $US 1.35m pre-feasibility study for a new rail link. A multi-sector workshop held on November 4, hosted by the Biobío regional government in Concepción, brought together public- and private-sector stakeholders to review progress and define next steps for what is regarded as a strategic infrastructure initiative for southern Chile.
The study, launched in June 2025, is assessing options for the proposed Northern Railway Access to Concepción, a new direct passenger and freight link between Chillán and Concepción via Rucapequén.
It was commissioned by the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications (MTT), and awarded earlier this year to Solutiva and V&R Consultores following a public tender. Due for completion in 2028, the study aims to identify the optimal alignment for the new line, minimising travel times and strengthening connectivity between the metropolitan regions of Greater Santiago and Greater Concepción.
At present, only a highly circuitous southern route via San Rosendo connects Chillán with Chile’s third-largest city, Concepción. Consequently, EFE’s inter-city passenger service from Santiago currently terminates at Chillán, where passengers transfer to a bus to complete the journey to Concepción.
In addition to passenger services, regional officials are highlighting the project’s potential to boost freight transport, positioning Concepción as a logistics hub for south-central Chile.
The Northern Railway Access to Concepción is part of a broader $US 3.2bn investment plan for the Biobío region’s rail network, being implemented under Chile’s national rail development programme.
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