Latin America and the Caribbean needs more trains | América Futura

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For decades, the railroad has been the great absent in transport development strategies in Latin America and the Caribbean. Despite its potential to mobilize large volumes of people and goods in a sustainable, efficient and safe way, this mode of transport was set aside in front of the predominance of the road and, to a lesser extent, of aviation. However, today something is changing. The return of the train is no longer only a nostalgic longing of the past, but a real commitment to a more competitive, sustainable, integrated and equitable region.

It is estimated that in Latin America and the Caribbean more than 150,000 million dollars will be invested in railway infrastructure in the coming years, with large projects underway in several countries in the region. Chile, with the ambitious investment plan of the railroad company and, Brazil, with its national rail plan to transform its transport matrix, are mobilizing unprecedented financing. Colombia, on the other hand, also bets to improve its rail network with large -scale projects both nationally and at the regional level. In the first group, for example, there is the central railway corridor and the Raper Runner of the Pacific, while the second includes the Northern Regiotram, the Western Regiotram and the Cercanías Train of the Valle del Cauca, among others. These initiatives aim to reactivate historical routes and build new territorial connection opportunities.

The history of global development demonstrates the transforming power of the train. In Europe, the rail network was key to articulating the industrial revolution and today remains the sustainable mobility and transportation of goods, with systems such as French TGV, German ICE or the Spanish bird, connecting cities to more than 300 kilometers per hour. In North America, the Cargo Railway Rob – which connects Mexico, the United States and Canada – constitutes one of the most integrated and extensive logistics networks in the world. In Asia, the “Railway Miracle” of China, with a vast network of passengers and cargo, has promoted the economic growth and integration of the regions, including the new silk route with its railway corridors between Asia, Europe and Africa. All evidence that the train remains, in the 21st century, a global connection instrument.

In this context, Latin America and the Caribbean must take a step forward to recover and expand rail networks with urban and suburban trains that improve metropolitan mobility; Logistic corridors to reduce load transport costs; Tourist trains that revitalize territories, and interurban passenger projects that imagine a more sustainable connection between regions. We need to rethink how we move and how we connect our territories, in a context marked by ecological transition, productive transformation and the search for greater territorial cohesion.

To articulate efforts and expand networks in the region, on July 30 and 31, the International Forum for Railway Reactivation, an initiative of CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean – will be held in Bogotá, in alliance with the Ministry of Transportation of Colombia. The event will bring together ministers, national authorities, multilateral organizations, international experts, academia and representatives of the private sector to dialogue about the present and future of the railroad in Latin America.

Throughout two days, key issues such as institutional governance, access to financing – including climate and green -, interoperability between systems, digitalization of the sector, the strengthening of human talent and the role of the train as a catalyst for territorial revitalization. Specialists from countries such as Spain, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Chile, Germany and Costa Rica, as well as throughout Latin America, to share experiences, challenges and learning about how to advance in a regional railway agenda.

The train has the potential to become a strategic tool to connect territories, reduce inequalities, generate employment, promote regional integration and decarbonize transport. But, for this to happen, political will, adequate regulatory frameworks, international cooperation, long -term planning and a shared vision are needed. This forum wants to be precisely that: a meeting space, reflection and collective commitment that allows the train to be put back in the center of public and political conversation.

Railway reactivation is not just a technical challenge. It is, above all, a historical opportunity to build a more integrated, resilient, sustainable and, ultimately, more just.