EFE signs contract for surface works on the Santiago-Batuco train, the largest in its history.

At an event held on the site of the future Renca Station and with the display of a train similar to the one that will operate on the future service, EFE Trenes de Chile signed the contract today for the execution of the civil and surface railway works for the Santiago–Batuco Train. This is the largest contract in the company's history, with an investment of US$470 million, awarded to the consortium Constructora Gran Andes SpA, made up of China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) and its subsidiaries CR22 and CRCEB.

This milestone marks the beginning of the construction phase of the overground section between Mapocho and Batuco, the largest section of the project. It includes the construction of six stations in Renca, Quilicura, and Lampa; seven railway bridges, including the iconic Mapocho Bridge; 12 pedestrian crossings and five vehicle crossings, all at grade levels, with high safety standards and operational continuity, guaranteeing 100% pedestrian and vehicle crossings at grade levels.

The Santiago-Batuco Train is one of the most emblematic projects of the Trains for Chile plan, with a total investment of US$950 million, a 26km section, and an estimated annual passenger demand of 35 million. It will benefit nearly one million residents of the northern Metropolitan Region, reducing travel times by more than two hours per day.

"This isn't just a signature on paper; it's much more significant because it's the concrete beginning, the 'taking shape' of a project that's moving forward, and where, as a government together with the EFE (Federal Economy and Finance) we've promoted this and other railway projects from all fronts, which will have a great impact on citizens. Trains for Chile, that's the name of this push that we started in 2022 and continue to strengthen, both in the capital with future services like Santiago-Batuco, and also with regional projects, where we know the tremendous impact they have on citizens' quality of life," highlighted the Minister of Transport and Telecommunications, Juan Carlos Muñoz.

The winning consortium is one of the most experienced in railway construction worldwide. CRCC, along with its subsidiaries, has developed more than 50,000km of railway tracks and 45,000km of bridges and tunnels in 116 countries. In Chile, it has executed large-scale projects such as sections of Route 5 South and the construction of sections of Lines 6 and 7 of the Santiago Metro.

“Today we take a historic step for EFE and for the country. The signing of this contract represents one of the most important milestones in our recent history and a concrete commitment to territorial equity and more sustainable mobility for more than one million people. We fully trust in the experience of the consortium that will accompany us in this challenge, and we are confident that this project will mark a before and after in the quality of life of our communities,” said Eric Martin, president of EFE Trenes de Chile.

For his part, the mayor of Renca, Claudio Castro, highlighted the importance this project will have on the connectivity of the residents of the commune: "Today we are witnessing how our commune is making a true leap in connectivity. It is also a dream of justice come true and a decisive step for our future. For a long time, our commune has been isolated from the development of the region. However, times have changed, and Renca is experiencing an unprecedented revolution in connectivity and a profound urban transformation that is allowing us to attract services that are highly sought after by our community. We want to become an urban hub for the northwestern sector of Santiago."

Upcoming milestones include the tendering of the underground section between the Mapocho Bridge and Quinta Normal during the fourth quarter of 2025, which includes two underground stations (Matucana and Quinta Normal), the start of surface works in December of this year, and the arrival of the new electric trains in 2027. Partial service will begin in 2028 (Batuco–Quilicura section), and full operation is projected for 2030.