The Central Pacific Train (TPC) is a strategic initiative of the Costa Rican Railway Institute (INCOFER) to restore the railway connection between the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) and the province of Puntarenas. The project aims to re-establish freight rail services to the Port of Caldera, Costa Rica’s principal port on the Pacific coast, and, in a second phase, reintroduce passenger and tourist rail services along the Pacific corridor.

For companies, TPC offers potential opportunities in railway infrastructure engineering, the rehabilitation and modernization of railway assets, the supply of signalling and control systems, the renewal of bridges and railway facilities, the provision of freight and passenger rolling stock, technical consulting services, and other solutions supporting freight, passenger, and tourist rail services. These opportunities arise from the planned rehabilitation of existing railway infrastructure, the modernization of operational facilities, the integration of the railway corridor with the Port of Caldera, the implementation of modern signalling systems, and the procurement of new freight and passenger rolling stock as part of the planned project works.

 

Project Objectives

TPC focuses on strengthening the railway connection between the Greater Metropolitan Area and Costa Rica’s Pacific region by restoring freight transport to the Port of Caldera and reintroducing passenger and tourist rail services in a second phase. The project seeks to improve logistics, strengthen connectivity with the Port of Caldera, support the economic development of the Pacific region, and promote tourism. It also contributes to Costa Rica’s sustainability objectives by reducing CO₂ emissions and relieving congestion on National Route 27. 

 

Project Scope

The project includes the rehabilitation of existing railway infrastructure, the modernization of bridges, drainage systems, and protective structures, the modernization of stations and operational facilities, the procurement of new freight and passenger rolling stock, the implementation of modern signalling and control systems, and the integration of the railway corridor with the Port of Caldera and other national logistics corridors. 

 

Financing and Institutional Framework

The project is led by the Costa Rican Railway Institute (INCOFER). In March 2021, the contract for the pre-investment and feasibility studies was awarded to the South Korean consortium Dongil – Korea National Railway (KNR) – Soosung Engineering. The studies are financed by Costa Rica’s Ministry of National Planning and Economic Policy (MIDEPLAN) and provide the basis for the project’s future development, including the preparation of documentation for an international tender. 

 

Current Status

The project was officially presented in 2019. The pre-investment and feasibility studies comprise market analyses, risk assessments, economic evaluations, preliminary engineering, cost estimates, operational and maintenance models, and the preparation of documentation for a future international tender. However, further project progress has been affected by limited funding for the completion of the pre-investment phase. 

 

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.