The southern region of Tacna has requested the evaluation of a portion of railway material donated by the American company Caltrain to the Municipalty of Lima for the Lima-Chosica project, with the goal of using it on the Tacna-Arica route, according to regional officials and reports. Regional governor Luis Torres submitted an official request on August 18 to Lima mayor Renzo Reggiardo, asking for the transfer of specific rolling stock to boost cross-border integration and tourism between southern Peru and the Chilean city of Arica, as disclosed by the portal La Encerrona.
Tacna Seeks Specific Rolling Stock for Cross-Border Route
Governor Luis Torres formally requested the transfer through an official document sent to Mayor Renzo Reggiardo on August 18. According to reports from La Encerrona, the regional administration aims to secure a specific allocation from the broader donation made by Caltrain to the Lima municipality.
The overarching donation to Lima’s municipal government comprises 90 vagones, cabin and trailer coaches, and 19 EMD F40PH-2 locomotives. Tacna officials confirmed that their specific request focuses on acquiring one locomotive and ten railway coaches to strengthen their local railway network.
“Solicitamos que, a través de su gestión, se puedan iniciar las mesas de diálogo respectivas para viabilizar una cooperación interinstitucional que permita destinar una parte de vuestro material rodante para el desarrollo e impulso del sistema ferroviario en Tacna,” stated the official document issued by the regional government.
Lima’s Response and Storage Complications at Parque de La Muralla
Mayor Renzo Reggiardo responded favorably to the request without committing to an immediate delivery. Reggiardo invited Governor Torres to a scheduled meeting on September 1 at the Municipal Palace to coordinate the technical evaluation of the proposal, a meeting confirmed by regional sources.
The railway equipment currently in question has remained stored at the Parque de La Muralla since July of last year. According to prior reports, utilizing the park’s esplanade as a storage depot without formal authorization from the Servicio de Parques de Lima (SERPAR) has kept the area closed off from public and sporting activities.
Furthermore, the storage situation has resulted in financial losses exceeding 700,000 soles for Lima. These losses stem directly from the cancellation of scheduled events and rental agreements that could not proceed because the equipment occupies the grounds.
Did You Know? The railway donation from the American company Caltrain originally included 90 vagones, cabin and trailer coaches, and 19 EMD F40PH-2 locomotives, which have been stored at Lima’s Parque de La Muralla since July of last year.
Transport Minister Delegates Lima-Chosica Project Review to ProInversión
The discussion regarding the potential transfer of rolling stock unfolds while the broader Lima-Chosica train project, originally promoted by former mayor Rafael López Aliaga, undergoes administrative review. Minister of Transport and Communications Rafael Rey recently clarified his stance, stating that he does not oppose the project and harbors no animosity toward López Aliaga.
“Una desafortunada referencia mía al pasado en una entrevista fue lamentablemente mal interpretada. No estoy enfrentado con nadie. Pese a la fama que probablemente me he ganado por mi propio temperamento, no tengo animadversión contra nadie,” declared Rey regarding his prior statements.
Rey added that political disagreements should never interfere with public infrastructure initiatives. “Solo un irresponsable o un ministro miserable podría oponerse a un proyecto que beneficia a la población por supuestas o reales discrepancias con algún otro político. Tengo muchos defectos, pero no soy ni miserable ni irresponsable,” he stated.
To ensure an objective evaluation, Rey announced that he has delegated all analysis and decision-making regarding the initiative to the Agencia de Promoción de la Inversión Privada (ProInversión). The agency is now tasked with reviewing the existing studies and determining the true viability of the Lima-Chosica transport project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What railway equipment is Tacna requesting from Lima?
According to regional sources cited by La Encerrona, the Government Regional of Tacna is asking for one locomotive and ten railway coaches from the pool of equipment donated by Caltrain.
Where is the donated railway material currently kept?
The equipment has been stored at the Parque de La Muralla since July of the previous year, operating without formal authorization from SERPAR and causing financial losses exceeding 700,000 soles due to canceled events.
Who is currently evaluating the viability of the Lima-Chosica train project?
Minister of Transport and Communications Rafael Rey announced that the evaluation of studies and project viability has been delegated entirely to the Agencia de Promoción de la Inversión Privada (ProInversión).
How will the scheduled September 1 meeting between Lima and Tacna officials impact the future deployment of the donated railway cars?
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