Chile’s Alameda-Melipilla Rail Project: USD 220M Bid Awarded

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Introduction

EFE – Trenes de Chile has announced the receipt of four bids for the USD 220 million contract to construct the Alameda – Melipilla underground section, a key component of the USD 1.9 billion Alameda – Melipilla Train project.

Bidding Process

The bidding process for the Alameda – Melipilla underground section has advanced to the technical evaluation stage. The companies that submitted bids are from Chilean, Spanish, and Chinese consortia.

Project Scope

The underground section involves constructing a 3.2 km tunnel beneath the surface, connecting the Lo Errázuriz multimodal hub in the western part of the Santiago Metropolitan Region with Estación Central station in Santiago. This includes a new underground station with platforms 160 metres in length, located 30 metres underground. Access to the station will be provided from the existing station, Exposición Street, and a connecting tunnel to Metro Line 1. The Lo Errázuriz end will offer a direct connection with Metro Line 6 via the Cerrillos station.

Project Timeline

Mery Orellana, Project Delivery Manager for EFE’s Expansion Division, stated that the awarding of this contract brings the full Melipilla train route closer to realization. The contract is anticipated to be awarded in October, with construction scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2026.

Project Overview

The Alameda – Melipilla Train project encompasses a 61-km route with 11 stations. The route will feature three tracks as far as Malloco and two tracks to Melipilla, designed for both passenger and freight trains. EFE has already awarded contracts for other sections of the project, including Melipilla–Malloco to Sacyr Chile and Malloco–Lo Errázuriz to the Dragados–Besalco alliance. Furthermore, 22 new trains are under construction, and the signalling and communications systems are close to being awarded, with construction underway on the Workshops and Depots located in Peñaflor.

Conclusion

The four bids for the USD 220 million contract for the Alameda – Melipilla underground section are under technical evaluation, with the contract expected to be awarded in October. The overall Alameda – Melipilla Train project, valued at USD 1.9 billion, includes a 61-km route with 11 stations.

Company Summary

EFE – Trenes de Chile: EFE – Trenes de Chile is the entity managing the Alameda – Melipilla Train project, including the bidding and construction of various sections of the rail line.

Sacyr Chile: Sacyr Chile was awarded the contract for the Melipilla–Malloco section of the Alameda – Melipilla Train project.

Dragados–Besalco alliance: The Dragados–Besalco alliance was awarded the contract for the Malloco–Lo Errázuriz section of the Alameda – Melipilla Train project.

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