The Ministry of Public Works published on Thursday the international tender call to build and operate the new Calama penitentiary. The project includes a budget of $394 million and capacity for 1,850 inmates.
The Ministry of Public Works published on Thursday in the Official Gazette the tender call for the concession of the New Calama Penitentiary Establishment. The work covers an area of 71,858 square meters and will be located on Route B-195 at its intersection with Route 23 in the commune of Calama.
The official estimated budget reaches UF 8,690,107, equivalent to $394 million excluding VAT. The facility will integrate cutting-edge construction, surveillance technology and reintegration services.
Minister Martín Arrau stated that “this tender call is not an isolated work: it is part of the concrete government response to the security emergency Chile is experiencing”. Bids will be received on November 24, 2026 and the economic opening will be on December 22, 2026, both in Santiago.
The tender is international and natural or legal persons, national or foreign, who comply with the Concessions Law may participate.
