Colombia is moving forward in the development of a transoceanic train and clarifies that its intention is not to compete with the Panama Canal, but to complement it. This statement was made by the country’s Minister of Transportation, William Fernando Camargo during his participation in the International Transport Forum 2024 in Leipzig, Germany.
“The project seeks to link Turbo in Antioquia with Cupica in northern Chocó, near the border with Panama, not as a competitor, but as a complement,” the minister explained to La Prensa.
The proposed route for this railroad canal covers approximately 220 km, extending from the Pacific to the Atlantic near Cartagena de Indias. “We are working closely with the planning and transportation unit to develop a project that will offer a complementary alternative to what is currently offered by the Panama Canal. We are already in advanced stages and plan to involve the Chocó community to ensure their participation in this development.“added Camargo.
Transoceanic train: Necessary for freight transport?
The need for this project became more evident in August 2023, when a severe drought impacted the water levels in the reservoirs that feed the Pa n amá causing significant delays in shipping traffic. Although Colombian President Gustavo Petro suggested that the drought had “closed” the Canal, Panama’s President Laurentino Cortizo assured that the Canal was still operational.
Months later, President Petro mentioned China’s possible involvement in the development of the rail projectwhich, according to Colombia’s National Infrastructure Agency, could exceed $6 billion in construction costsThe company has also acquired US$359 million to purchase trains and equipment, including 24 locomotives and platforms, and another US$341 million for port infrastructure in Chocó.
This project is not unique in its kind, as Mexico is also developing a similar project known as the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. . “Panama is saturated, but we are not looking to compete with them. We recognize how hard it was for them to regain their sovereignty over the Canal. It is not our intention to compete, but to cooperateThe project will be built on a section of the road,” said Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador at the inauguration of a section of the road last year.
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Source: prensa.com
Photo: shutterstock
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