Commercial operation of the La Dorada-Chiriguaná project began in early October 2026, with the first train carrying 2,414 tons of cargo. Germán de la Torre, general manager of the Concesión Línea Férrea Central, stated that the goal is to move between five and six million tons annually. The project involves an investment of nearly $3.4 trillion and aims to strengthen national transportation.
The La Dorada-Chiriguaná project began commercial operations in early October 2026, marking a key advancement in Colombia's rail transportation. The first train carried approximately 1,200 tons of cargo from Barranquilla, via Ciénaga, to La Dorada, and then by truck to Bogotá. This load includes construction steel from Ternium's plant in Barranquilla and paper pulp from Papeles Nacionales, benefiting the construction and industrial sectors.
In the opposite direction, from Bogotá to La Dorada and the northern coast, consumer products such as beer, beverages, and sodas will be transported. Future capacity will depend on the rehabilitation of the track, which will include three crossing stations between La Dorada and Chiriguaná to optimize times and speeds.
Germán de la Torre explained that the goal is to reach between five and six million tons of cargo per year once improvements are completed. The concession, signed by the Agencia Nacional de Infraestructura (ANI), lasts 10 years: 15 months of preconstruction, 49 of construction, 50 of operation and maintenance, and six for reversion to the state.
The corridor crosses five departments and 25 municipalities, generating up to 3,500 jobs at the construction peak, with 60% to 70% local labor. Fredy Saldaña, mayor of La Dorada, emphasized: “This is a reality we live in La Dorada, Caldas, and in the 25 municipalities through which the train passes; we can grow hand in hand with the train, and that is where capacities and professionalism come together”.
The total investment amounts to nearly $3.4 trillion, and the project is in the preoperational phase, with rehabilitation works pending.
