Chilean President Presents New Trains for the Limache–Puerto Service in Valparaíso
President Gabriel Boric visited Estación Puerto in Valparaíso on January 8 to present new rolling stock that will be incorporated into the Limache–Puerto rail service operated by EFE Valparaíso. The visit marked the start of testing for the new trains, which are expected to increase capacity during peak hours and respond to the region’s growing number of passengers.
The head of state concluded his official activities in the Valparaíso Region by leading the presentation of the service upgrade, which represents a concrete improvement to public transportation in the area. During the visit, President Boric toured one of the new trains that will be gradually introduced into service.
A total of five next-generation trains were acquired through a USD 35 million investment. The trains were manufactured in China by CRRC-Sifang and consist of three cars per unit, measuring 77 meters in length. Each train has an estimated capacity of 660 passengers and can reach speeds of up to 140 kilometers per hour. Once in operation, the new fleet is expected to increase service capacity by approximately 20 percent during peak commuting hours.
President Boric was accompanied by Undersecretary of Transport Jorge Daza; EFE President Eric Martin; Valparaíso Regional Governor Rodrigo Mundaca; Regional Presidential Delegate Yanino Riquelme; and Valparaíso Mayor Camila Nieto.
Following his inspection of the train’s interior, President Boric highlighted the role of rail transport in improving daily life for residents. He emphasized that strengthened train services contribute to shorter and more comfortable journeys, greater schedule reliability, and increased time for family life, noting that this transportation model has demonstrated positive results in several regions of the country.
The President also underscored the progress of the government’s “Trenes para Chile” policy. He stated that 59 new trains have been acquired nationwide for the regions of Valparaíso, Maule, Biobío, and La Araucanía, along with eight next-generation locomotives replacing equipment that was more than 60 years old. According to the President, these investments are part of the government’s goal to reach 150 million annual rail passengers by 2030.
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