Efficient freight transport is essential to Costa Rica’s export-oriented economy. The Tren Eléctrico Limonense de Carga (TELCA) is designed to strengthen the railway connection between the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) and the Caribbean ports by modernizing and electrifying the existing freight corridor. The project aims to improve logistics efficiency, enhance the competitiveness of foreign trade, and reduce dependence on road freight transport. 

For companies, TELCA offers potential opportunities in railway infrastructure engineering, the supply of electrification and signalling systems, the modernization of existing railway assets, the development of intermodal logistics facilities, the provision of freight rolling stock and specialized railway equipment, as well as technical consulting and related services. These opportunities arise from the planned rehabilitation and expansion of railway infrastructure, the development of intermodal logistics facilities, the implementation of modern electrification and signalling systems, and the procurement of new freight rolling stock as part of the planned project works.

Project Objectives

TELCA aims to strengthen the railway connection between the Greater Metropolitan Area and Costa Rica’s Caribbean ports, improving the efficiency of freight transport while enhancing the competitiveness of the country’s export and import sectors. The project also seeks to reduce logistics costs, increase the resilience of supply chains, and relieve congestion on National Route 32, one of Costa Rica’s principal freight corridors. 

By electrifying freight rail operations and replacing diesel locomotives with electric trains, TELCA also contributes to Costa Rica’s decarbonization objectives through lower CO₂ emissions and more sustainable freight transport. 

Project Scope

The project includes the modernization of approximately 170 kilometres of existing railway between Río Frío and Limón, the construction of approximately 40 kilometres of new railway between Bajos de Chilamate and Río Frío, and the complete electrification of the corridor. Planned works also include the development of intermodal terminals, the modernization of bridges, stations, and signalling systems, as well as the procurement of new freight rolling stock. 

Financing and Institutional Framework

TELCA is being developed by the Costa Rican Railway Institute (INCOFER). The feasibility study was financed by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI/BCIE) and prepared by the consortium Meta Engineering S.A. (Costa Rica) and Audingmex S.A. de C.V. (Mexico). Based on the feasibility study, the project’s estimated investment amounts to approximately USD 400 million. 

Current Status

TELCA was declared a project of public interest in 2019. The feasibility and environmental studies were completed in 2023, and in 2024 the project entered the evaluation phase for its technical and financial implementation, including the assessment of a concession model. However, further project development depends on the outcome of these evaluations and the subsequent implementation model.

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.