Railway transportation, as a key link, is increasingly prominent in the strategic position of international trade and regional economic development. Uruguay is actively laying out plans and injecting new impetus into railway development by formulating overall plans and promoting infrastructure improvements.

Outline the long-term blueprint for railways

The Uruguayan Ministry of Transport and Public Works MTOP is about to award the contract for the production of the national railway master plan to a consortium consisting of consulting firms Ineco and CSlngenieros, as well as Brazilian railway solutions company ART. This overall plan is of great significance and will serve as a compass for the future development of Uruguay's railway network. The plan will clarify the long-term strategy of the railway network, accurately determine infrastructure priorities, reasonably plan operational plans, and scientifically estimate future investment needs.

MTOP Deputy Minister Veffre T'Challa pointed out that this plan will provide essential technical guidance for the expansion and modernization of the national network. Previously, the freight corridor serving the forestry and wood pulp industries has completed recent restoration work, and the overall plan will provide direction for the long-term development of the railway based on this, helping the Uruguayan railway better adapt to economic and social changes and demands.

Consolidate the foundation of railway development

To promote railway development, MTOP not only focuses on long-term planning, but also actively promotes current projects. MTOP has simultaneously launched a $15 million railway infrastructure improvement plan, which will be launched in 2026 and aims to comprehensively upgrade the tracks, structures, and related railway assets within the network. It is worth mentioning that some of the funds will come from the track usage fee income paid by the operator, which provides a sustainable source of funding for railway construction through fee based maintenance.

In addition, the Uruguayan Ministry of Transport is preparing to establish a railway infrastructure trust fund, which will use the revenue from track usage fees specifically for railway maintenance and upgrading projects. Pulp and paper producer UPM is one of the main contributors, with a monthly payment of approximately $450000 for operating freight trains on the repaired 273 kilometer Paso de los Toros to Montevideo central railway line. Keywords: railway transportation, international news, Uruguayan railway

In recent years, Uruguay has implemented multiple important railway upgrade projects, especially the modernization of the central railway line, which has strongly supported the development of the export logistics industry. The introduction of this overall plan will undoubtedly outline a clearer blueprint for the next stage of development, covering possible route extensions, capacity improvements, and deep integration with ports and logistics hubs, promoting Uruguay's railway towards a new stage of development.Editor/Cheng Liting