Colombia’s Freight Traffic on La Dorada-Chiriguaná Line Triples Following Landmark PPP Agreement

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Colombia’s National Infrastructure Agency (ANI) has announced a remarkable increase in freight traffic on the La Dorada – Chiriguaná railway line, with volumes tripling between January and September 2025 compared to the previous year. The line transported a total of 796,000 tonnes of freight during this period, a figure that is three times the entire volume transported in 2024. This substantial rise in freight capacity follows the implementation of a key public-private partnership (PPP) aimed at modernising and expanding the railway corridor, which is critical to the nation’s logistics and trade network.

The 522km La Dorada – Chiriguaná rail line connects some of Colombia’s most important industrial regions to the Caribbean coast, providing an essential link between the country’s inland industries and international export markets. The railway passes through the departments of Caldas, Antioquia, Santander, Norte de Santander, and Cesar, all of which are vital to Colombia’s economic output. With growing demands for freight transport, this corridor plays an essential role in bolstering the nation’s competitiveness in both regional and global trade.

The surge in freight traffic highlights the effectiveness of the investment and the PPP in modernising this key infrastructure. By expanding capacity, the project is expected to facilitate faster and more efficient transportation of goods, reducing overall logistics costs for industries that rely on this critical route.

ANI has committed more than $28 million over the past three years to maintain and improve the La Dorada – Chiriguaná line, including upgrades to the rail infrastructure and rolling stock. In July 2023, the San Felipe Férreo Consortium was awarded an $18.1 million contract to modernise the line and prepare it for long-term operational success. These efforts are part of a broader initiative aimed at transforming Colombia’s rail infrastructure, increasing efficiency, and improving the safety of the transport network.

The project represents a broader vision for Colombia’s transport sector, which is undergoing a shift towards more sustainable, cost-effective solutions. The upgrades will not only allow for more freight to be transported but also improve safety, reduce delays, and make operations more predictable for businesses.

Building on these upgrades, the Colombian government launched a tender for a 10-year PPP to manage, operate, and further modernise the La Dorada – Chiriguaná rail line. In April 2025, the $545 million concession for this project was awarded to the Estructura Plural Línea Férrea Central consortium. This marks a key moment for Colombia’s infrastructure development, as it was the country’s first railway PPP.

The long-term PPP model ensures that private sector expertise and investment will continue to drive improvements to the rail system, while the government provides oversight and regulatory support. By involving private companies in the operation and maintenance of the railway, Colombia is aiming to foster innovation, improve efficiency, and stimulate further investment in transport infrastructure.

The modernisation project for the La Dorada – Chiriguaná line includes several key initiatives that will significantly enhance its capacity and efficiency. Among the most important upgrades is the replacement of 205.5km of the rail tracks, which will improve the speed and reliability of freight transport along the corridor. In addition to track upgrades, the project will also include the construction of new administrative offices and an operational control centre, which will improve coordination and management of rail services.

Two new train maintenance workshops will be built as part of the plan, along with a new freight terminal centre in La Dorada to further enhance capacity and operational efficiency. The project will also see the construction of a combined road and pedestrian bridge over the Sogamoso River at Puerto Wilches, which is expected to improve connectivity and reduce traffic bottlenecks. To ensure community safety, the relocation of two schools in Cimitarra, Santander, is also planned as part of the broader infrastructure development.

These infrastructure upgrades are expected to have a profound impact on Colombia’s economy, particularly in terms of logistics and freight transportation. By improving the efficiency of the La Dorada – Chiriguaná line, the modernisation programme will reduce transportation costs for businesses and make Colombian exports more competitive in international markets. The increased capacity on the rail line will also facilitate smoother and faster transit of goods, making the country more attractive to investors and trade partners.

The success of this project has positioned the La Dorada – Chiriguaná rail corridor as a key element in Colombia’s wider efforts to modernise its infrastructure and drive economic growth. This initiative is expected to continue attracting investments, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Colombia’s rail network.