PROERI is a major public infrastructure programme in Costa Rica that combines climate resilience with the reconstruction and rehabilitation of critical infrastructure across the country. Established through Law No. 10,456 in 2024, the programme supports the country’s recovery from natural disasters and addresses infrastructure classified as being at imminent risk, while strengthening the long-term resilience of public infrastructure.

For companies, PROERI offers potential opportunities in infrastructure development, engineering, construction and rehabilitation, railway infrastructure, technical consulting and related services. Its broad, multi-sector project portfolio creates opportunities for companies with different areas of expertise, while the railway component provides specific opportunities for companies active in railway infrastructure and associated engineering and technical services.

Project Objectives

PROERI aims to restore public infrastructure damaged by natural disasters or classified as being at imminent risk, while reducing its vulnerability to future events. The programme addresses, among other infrastructure needs, damage associated with Tropical Storm Bonnie, the Pacific Intertropical Convergence Zone and Hurricane Julia.

Rather than focusing solely on the replacement of damaged assets, PROERI incorporates resilience into reconstruction and rehabilitation measures across multiple sectors, with the objective of improving public safety and the long-term performance of Costa Rica’s public infrastructure.

Programme Scope

PROERI comprises more than 400 reconstruction projects across Costa Rica and covers a broad range of public infrastructure. Interventions include roads, bridges, educational facilities, housing, railway infrastructure, flood-protection structures and other public assets affected by natural disasters or identified as being at imminent risk.

The programme includes different types and stages of intervention, ranging from technical studies and engineering design to construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation and supervision. More than 100 bridge projects and 63 educational facilities are among the 293 projects that have already reached different stages of development.

Railway Component

For companies active in the railway sector, the railway component implemented by the Costa Rican Railway Institute (INCOFER) is particularly relevant. The railway portfolio includes interventions in both the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) and the province of Limón and covers different types of railway and associated civil infrastructure.

Railway-related projects include the rehabilitation and reinforcement of railway bridges, improvements to railway tracks, the reconstruction of road–rail level crossings, slope stabilization, civil works and complementary infrastructure. Some procurement procedures have combined studies, engineering design and construction within the same contract, creating opportunities at several stages of project development rather than only during the physical execution of construction works.

Bridge infrastructure represents an important part of the railway component. In Limón, contracts have covered the rehabilitation and reinforcement of groups of 6, 10 and 14 railway bridges, together with related track improvements and complementary works. Railway bridge and associated infrastructure projects are also being implemented in the GAM.

The programme also includes improvements to existing railway tracks and road–rail level crossings. Relevant works include the reconstruction and improvement of level crossings, track improvements and associated civil works. Slope stabilization and protective measures form another component of the railway interventions, reflecting the programme’s broader focus on resilient infrastructure.

In addition to construction, separate contracts cover the external technical supervision of railway and civil works. Supervision activities associated with railway bridges, track improvements and complementary works create opportunities for engineering and consulting companies alongside those available to construction contractors and infrastructure suppliers.

The railway component has progressed beyond general project planning into concrete procurement and implementation activities. Railway-related procedures include both construction contracts and consulting services and have included international procurement procedures.

Financing and Institutional Framework

PROERI is financed through a USD 700 million loan provided by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI/BCIE). The programme is implemented through five Costa Rican public institutions: the National Emergency Commission (CNE), the National Road Council (CONAVI), the Ministry of Public Education (MEP), the Ministry of Housing and Human Settlements (MIVAH) and the Costa Rican Railway Institute (INCOFER).

The CNE acts as the coordinating executing institution for the programme, while the participating institutions are responsible for projects within their respective areas. Within this framework, INCOFER is responsible for the railway interventions and the associated portfolio of railway and civil works, engineering activities and supervision services.

The programme also receives technical assistance from the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). This support includes project management and planning, procurement support, quality assurance and compliance monitoring, technical infrastructure support, risk management, financial and administrative support, and institutional capacity building.

Procurement financed through CABEI is conducted under the Bank’s applicable procurement policies and procedures. Depending on the type and scope of the contract, the programme uses different procurement methods, including national and international public tenders as well as international consulting competitions. This creates opportunities for participation by both Costa Rican and international companies across construction, engineering, consulting and specialized infrastructure services.

The overall USD 700 million financing package provides the financial framework for PROERI as a whole. The allocation and planning of funds for individual implementing institutions and projects can change as the programme develops.

Current Status

As of May 2026, approximately 66% of PROERI projects had reached some stage of their development cycle, ranging from contract award through implementation to completion. At that time, 293 projects were in development and 62 projects had already been completed. Completed and ongoing interventions include schools, bridges, flood-protection structures, housing, roads and railway infrastructure. Altogether, the programme is expected to have a positive impact on more than two million people.

The railway component has also progressed into concrete procurement and implementation activities in the GAM and Limón. Contract awards for railway bridge projects and supervision services demonstrate that parts of the railway portfolio have already moved from planning into implementation.

Interested in getting involved?

If you are the owner of, or part of, a company operating in the railway sector—including construction, maintenance, sales, spare parts, or related and supporting services—we would be pleased to hear from you. Please contact us at contacto@dhk.cr.