Colombia’s Cundinamarca department plans to open bidding for the US$1.8 billion Regiotram del Norte light rail project in the first quarter of next year. The Cundinamarca mobility department is currently reviewing documents with the transport ministry to obtain approval for co-financing from the central government. The co-financing agreement is expected to be signed in the second half of this year.
To support the Regiotram del Norte light rail project development, Cundinamarca has sought assistance from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for the technical, legal, and financial structuring of the initiative.
100% electric commuter rail
The Regiotram del Norte will be a 100% electric commuter rail that connects the municipalities of Zipaquirá, Cajicá, and Chía with Bogotá. Once operational, it is expected to serve approximately 189,000 passengers per day.
The Regiotram del Norte light rail project, along with the Regiotram de Occidente—slated to begin operations in September 2027—is considered key to achieving multimodal mobility in Bogotá and strengthening connectivity with the neighboring department of Cundinamarca.
Since assuming office in August 2022, President Gustavo Petro has promoted the revitalization of Colombia’s railway system to reduce reliance on road transport and lower freight costs. He pledged to award approximately US$7 billion in rail projects during his four-year term. However, progress on this agenda has been limited.
Also Read: Additional US$7 billion in funding sought for California High-speed Rail
Metro de la 80 (Ecociudad Line E / Pink Line)
Meanwhile the Metro de la 80—also known as Ecociudad Line E or the Pink Line—is currently under construction by the Metro de la 80 consortium. The main partners include CRRC for rolling stock, Mota-Engil for civil works, Ineo Urban Transportation Solutions for telematics, and Siemens Mobility for power systems and signalling.
The project, valued at approximately $920 million USD, is being financed jointly by the national government and the city of Medellín on a 70:30 basis. The 13.3 km medium-capacity light rail line will primarily run along Avenida 80, a major north-south corridor on the city’s west side. Once complete—targeted for 2028—it will link Caribe metro station in the north to Aguacatala station in the south, serving 17 stations along the route.
