China’s CRRC wins large order in Chile for building rail routes 中國中車贏得智利鐵路大單

CRRC, China’s top train manufacturer, said it has been officially awarded a contract to build electric units for Chilean State Railways, also known as EFE, the largest single stock order in the Chilean company’s history.

CRRC, in a consortium with local railcar services company Temoinsa, will supply 32 three-car units for Santiago’s suburban rail network.

These new trains are an upgrade for EFE, CRRC said, noting that the trains will have a maximum speed of 140 kilometers per hour and capacity for around 800 passengers. The design of the units will emphasize lightweight construction, intellectualization and eco-friendliness.

Of the 32 new trains, 22 will be deployed to operate on the new 61 kilometer commuter line running westward from Alameda station in Santiago to Melipilla, with the remaining 10 ordered for the new route running north from Alameda to Quinta Normal and Batuco, the International Railway Journal reported.

Deliveries are expected to start in 2026. After entering operation, the new trains will greatly improve the EFE’s passenger transport capability and providing transport convenience for more than one million residents along the route, according to CRRC.