Against the backdrop of actively exploring green and efficient development paths in the global transportation sector, Costa Rica is emerging with a significant electric train project. This project not only carries the mission of improving local public transportation, but also contains profound significance in promoting sustainable development and addressing climate change, and is expected to become a milestone in the history of the country's transportation development.

The development department of the European Investment Bank (EIB), EIB Global, has signed an important agreement to provide a $250 million loan to Costa Rica to support its electric train project, aimed at upgrading and electrifying lines in the capital city of San Jose and introducing tram services. EIB has explicitly stated that this first loan to Costa Rica will be used to fund the infrastructure construction of Line 1 and Line 2. Line 1 extends from Atlantic Station in downtown San Jose to Palaiseau, while Line 2 leads to Alajuela and covers the purchase of 28 light rail vehicles. The services of these two lines will operate at high frequency every 10 minutes, seven days a week.

The total cost of the first two lines is 800 million US dollars, and the project is undertaken by the national railway company Incofer. The funding comes from a package of development funds, and the government will submit the bill to the Legislative Assembly in accordance with relevant provisions. In addition to the loan provided by EIB Global, the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (Cabei) will also invest $550 million, of which $178.7 million will be jointly funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), which will also provide $21.3 million in the form of donations.

The electric train project has a grand plan, covering a total of five lines with a total length of 84.9 kilometers. The specific route is:

Atlantic Paraiso, 27.4 kilometers long, with 16 stations;

Atlantic Province - Alajuela, 21.6 kilometers long, with 15 stations;

Atlantic West Lares, 25.4 kilometers long, with 14 stations;

Alajuela to Sirueras, 7.8 kilometers long, with five stations;

Siruera El Coyol, 2.7 kilometers long, with two stations.

This project is expected to bring significant improvements to public transportation in the San Jose metropolitan area (with a population of over 3 million), providing residents with more convenient employment and education options, and significantly reducing travel time. EIB Global emphasizes that the new network design is highly inclusive, with a particular focus on the female population who make up the majority of public transportation users and use private motor vehicles less frequently. Meanwhile, the project is expected to reduce 18000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, helping Costa Rica fulfill its climate change commitments and fully utilize nearly 100% of the country's renewable energy generation. Keywords: International Engineering News, Foreign Engineering Project Information

Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chavez confidently stated, "Electric trains are no longer just a dream." He pointed out that unlike previous unsustainable proposals, this proposal is solid, financially responsible, and does not require state subsidies. Incofer CEO Á lvaro Berm ú ndez Pe ñ a also said, "We are working to optimize this project with a clear vision: to provide Costa Ricans with reliable proposals that meet the actual needs of the people, while not causing unnecessary debt to the countryEditor/Cheng Liting