Inter-American Development Bank finances study for the Central Railway Corridor project, which intends to link Brazil, Bolivia and Peru
La Paz – Spanish, French and Bolivian consulting companies are developing studies for the Central Railway Corridor project, which aims to link Brazil, Bolivia and Peru, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) said this Monday in La Paz.
The IDB's transport specialist in Bolivia, Ramón Muñoz-Raskin, told EFE that US$6,8 million in credit was given for the study of the interconnection of the western and eastern Bolivian rail networks, and for the start of a Technical Unit of Railways of the Bolivian government.
“The studies, currently under development, will identify alternatives for the corridor layout at different project scales. Each alternative will be evaluated according to its respective economic, social, environmental and strategic advantages and disadvantages,” said Muñoz-Raskin.
The studies include a strategic advisory one so that Bolivia can enter into international agreements that guarantee the viability of the Central Bioceánico Railway Corridor, and support to organize and coordinate meetings with Brazil and Peru.
According to Muñoz-Raskin, the region has no history of bioceanic rail corridor projects led by a nation and supported by the IDB.
But there is already a similar study led by the private sector for the construction of the Bioceánico Aconcagua Corridor between Chile and Argentina.
Bolivia will receive the necessary technical, economic, environmental and strategic information to be able to make an informed decision on investment in this corridor and the interconnection of Bolivia's rail networks, explained the IDB specialist.
The program is also in line with the IDB's general and strategic objectives for promoting competitive international integration at the regional and global levels, he added.
The Andean and Eastern Bolivian railway networks, in the hands of private companies, are separated by the lack of infrastructure, a problem that this project intends to solve in order to consolidate national railway integration.
A few days ago, the Bolivian government anticipated that one of the studies, the one referring to the layout of the international railroad and the interconnection of the Andean and Eastern Bolivian railroads, would be delivered this month.
Bolivian President Evo Morales has already said that he suggested to Chinese President Xi Jinping to co-finance the construction of a railroad from the border between Bolivia and Brazil to the Peruvian port of Ilo.
If it becomes a reality, the international railroad will facilitate the shipment of Brazilian cargo to the Pacific, through the territory of Bolivia and the ports of Peru.
By: Efe
Source: Exam
