Not only is a complete metro system being built in the Bogotá metropolitan area, but light rail lines with low-floor standards are also to be created as part of the RegioTram project. These will largely incorporate existing, little-used, narrow-gauge railway lines – we last reported on the plans HERE.
Work has now begun in the west: the RegioTram de Occidente project has taken a decisive step forward with work on the old railway line that will connect Bogotá with the municipalities of Facatativá, Madrid, Mosquera and Funza. This 39.6-kilometre section will be converted into a modern electric railway line with the aim of significantly improving mobility between the capital and the Sabana Occidente.
The work involves dismantling 77 kilometres of old railtracks and laying 178 kilometres of new tracks, accompanied by 141,000 new concrete sleepers to replace the existing wooden ones. In addition to the two tracks, 17 stations, level crossings and overpasses, signalling and control systems, and the infrastructure required for the operation of 16 light rail vehicles will be built. Work began with four construction sites running simultaneously, which will be expanded as the project progresses. The El Corzo depot and workshop are already around 30 per cent complete, and the power supply facilities are also being built here. CRRC will supply light rail vehicles with low-floor access – a first partial model has already been completed some time ago.
The RegioTram de Occidente is designed to transport more than 140,000 people per day and has a capacity of up to 40 million passengers per year. It is estimated that this new system will reduce travel times between Bogotá and neighbouring communities by 60 per cent, with a target travel time of 40 minutes for the entire route.
The total investment amounts to 2.9 trillion pesos, and construction is being carried out by the Chinese consortium China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). The section between Facatativá and Fontibón is scheduled to go into operation in the second half of 2027, while the extension to the centre of Bogotá is scheduled to go into operation in 2029.
All photos: © Gobernación de Cundinamarca
18.06.2025
