Rail transport is once again taking center stage in Colombia. The Government has prioritized six strategic projects aimed at modernizing the rail network and boosting national competitiveness before August 2026.
Strategic projects to transform logistics
The president of the National Infrastructure Agency (ANI), Óscar Torres Yarzagaray, confirmed that the goal is to accelerate the development and structuring of six nationally significant rail transport projects.
Through these projects, the country hopes to:
- Reduce logistics costs
- Modernize rail infrastructure with international standards
- Create jobs and stimulate regional economies
- Increase competitiveness in foreign trade
Torres highlighted that embassies, banks, and companies from China, Korea, Qatar, and Mexico have shown interest in contributing expertise and financing to consolidate the railway system.
Six projects that will mark a turning point
The first major project is the Interoceanic Corridor, which will connect Jurado, on the Pacific, with Unguía, on the Atlantic. Spanning between 210 and 222 kilometers, it aims to move up to 25 million tons of cargo and will require an investment of more than 32 trillion pesos.
Another key axis is the Pacific Corridor (Yumbo–Caimalito), 211 kilometers of rehabilitation under public works. ANI is managing future appropriations of around 1 trillion pesos to guarantee its execution. In parallel, the Pacific Corridor (Buenaventura–Palmira), stretching 120 kilometers, is advancing toward the feasibility stage with an estimated investment of 22 trillion pesos and bidding scheduled before 2026.
In the Eastern Plains, the Villavicencio–Puerto Gaitán project includes 193 kilometers of new railway line, with an investment of 12.2 trillion pesos. The Bogotá–Central Corridor connection, spanning 393 kilometers and 27 trillion pesos, seeks to link the country’s center with Barrancabermeja. Finally, the Bogotá–Belencito corridor, 279 kilometers long, is being developed under public works and is currently securing resources.
These six initiatives not only represent historic investments but also consolidate rail transport as a key driver of competitiveness and regional integration in Colombia.
Colombia in the Regional Context
Colombia’s railway plan is part of a wider trend in Latin America and the Caribbean, where rail transport is regaining importance after decades of highway dominance. Countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile are also investing in expanding or modernizing their railway networks, with support from multilateral organizations such as the IDB and CAF.
However, obstacles remain: long-term financing, socio-environmental conflicts, and a lack of regional coordination. Even so, the opportunity is clear—to promote trade integration, reduce logistics costs, and advance toward more sustainable infrastructure.
The push for rail transport in Colombia marks a milestone in the country’s infrastructure strategy. With six prioritized projects and a historic investment, the Government aims to modernize its rail network, strengthen competitiveness, and position itself within the railway wave advancing across the region.
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Sources
Cdiaz. (2025, 16 septiembre). Multilaterales impulsan el resurgir ferroviario en América Latina. MasContainer. https://mascontainer.com/multilaterales-impulsan-el-resurgir-ferroviario-en-america-latina/
Largo, J. M. (2025, 18 agosto). Red ferroviaria de Colombia se renueva con millonaria inversión: estos son los seis proyectos más relevantes que se están construyendo. Infobae. https://www.infobae.com/colombia/2025/08/18/red-ferroviaria-de-colombia-se-renueva-con-millonaria-inversion-estos-son-los-seis-proyectos-mas-relevantes-que-se-estan-construyendo/
Periodista. (2025, 17 agosto). Colombia: Gobierno prioriza seis proyectos ferroviarios para acelerar su desarrollo. PortalPortuario. https://portalportuario.cl/colombia-gobierno-prioriza-seis-proyectos-ferroviarios-para-acelerar-su-desarrollo/
