Ferrocarril Central: 2026 Construction & Route Map

The Ferrocarril Central project is a landmark infrastructure modernization initiative in Uruguay, upgrading 273 km of critical railway line between the Port of Montevideo and Paso de los Toros. This comprehensive rehabilitation was engineered to significantly boost freight capacity for key industries, enhance passenger services, and integrate advanced European safety and signaling standards into the national network.

Technical Specifications

The project involved a complete overhaul of the existing infrastructure to meet modern freight and passenger demands. Key engineering and system specifications include:

• Route & Civil Works: The 273 km primary route connects the Port of Montevideo with Paso de los Toros. The project included laying 344 km of new track (264 km primary, 80 km secondary), constructing 17 new crossover stations, and upgrading or rebuilding up to 40 railway bridges.
• Track System: The line utilizes Continuous Welded Rail (CWR) on concrete sleepers with a W 21 rail fastening system. This configuration reduces noise and vibration while improving ride quality and minimizing maintenance requirements.
• Signaling and Train Control: The line is equipped with a modern European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) Level 1. This system enhances operational safety and interoperability.
• Safety Systems: Safety was paramount, with the installation of 190 RailRox level crossing systems, certified to Safety Integrity Level 4 (SIL-4). These automated systems include barriers, sound, and light signals to protect road-rail interfaces.
• Freight Capacity: The infrastructure is designed to handle freight volumes of up to four million tonnes annually, primarily serving the UPM pulp mill.
• Future-Proofing: The design incorporates provisions for future electrification, allowing for a seamless transition to electric traction without major infrastructure rework.

Key Takeaways

• Economic Enabler: The project establishes a high-capacity freight corridor connecting Uruguay’s industrial interior with its primary port, directly boosting export potential and lowering logistics costs.
• Technological Modernization: By implementing ERTMS Level 1 and SIL-4 safety systems, Uruguay has made a significant technological leap, aligning a key part of its rail network with modern European standards for safety and efficiency.
• Sustainable PPP Model: The project’s financing through a public-private partnership (PPP), backed by international development banks and including an 18-year maintenance contract, provides a robust and sustainable model for long-term infrastructure viability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was the primary purpose of the Ferrocarril Central project?

The primary purpose was to increase freight capacity to support Uruguay’s key industries, specifically by creating an efficient connection between the UPM pulp mill in Paso de los Toros and the Port of Montevideo. A secondary goal was to modernize the line for improved passenger services and overall national connectivity.

What specific safety upgrades were central to the project’s design?

The project implemented a multi-layered safety architecture featuring an ERTMS Level 1 automatic train control system, 190 automated level crossing systems rated at SIL-4 (the highest safety integrity level), and a comprehensive fiber optic communications network for superior monitoring and operational control.