PROPOSALS for two separate projects to improve passenger and freight links between the Chilean capital Santiago and nearby cities on the Pacific coast were unveiled in early January.

A major revamp of suburban rail services in Santiago was officially completed on March 17, when Chilean president Mrs Michelle Bachalet and minister of transport and communications Mrs Paola Tapia made an inaugural trip on Chilean State Railways’ (EFE) new Metrotren Nos service between Alameda and Nos.

Despite making bold promises for its commuter network in a series of projects, Chilean State Railways’ (EFE) plans are failing to live up to expectations, as regional editor Ian Thomson-Newman explains.

CHILEAN State Railways (EFE) has awarded Indra, Spain, a 10-year contract worth €6.9m to supply, install, configure, test and maintain a multiservice IP/MPLS data transmission network.

Chilean State Railways' latest three-year development plan continues the country's ambitious investments in infrastructure to boost suburban passenger services. Ian Thomson-Newman reports from Santiago on how the railway is aiming to achieve its growth target.

CHILEAN State Railways (EFE) has received a new self-propelled measurement vehicle from Mermec, Italy, which will monitor the condition of the railway network and help its engineers to optimise maintenance and renewal work.

CHILEAN State Railways (EFE) has selected Alstom to supply and maintain a further 12 two-car X'Trapolis suburban EMUs, four of which will be deployed on the new Rancagua Xpress service between Santiago, Nos and Rancagua, and the remaining eight vehicles on services between Valparaíso and Limache.

Chilean State Railways, which operates commuter rail lines in Santiago, Valparaíso and Concepción, is expanding services in all three cities. Ian Thomson-Newman outlines the strategy.

CHILEAN State Railways (EFE) has revised its plans for the re-inauguration of freight services over the Chilean section of the Arica to La Paz Railway (FCALP).

SOARING traffic has encouraged Chilean State Railways (EFE) to dust off plans for a new suburban service in Santiago, and extensions to the commuter rail lines in Concepción and Valparaíso.