Costa Rica’s long-awaited San José-Heredia train has just gotten a step closer to realizing its creation: the Institute of Costa Rican Railways (Incofer) has begun negotiations with the Spanish Narrow Rails Railway company to acquire four model 2000 commuter trains, which will be the most modern trains in the country.

The trains, which were originally built in the late 1980s, got a refresher and refurbish in 2000, bringing them up to very modern standards. They are similar to the Apolo trains which already run in Costa Rica, though they are propelled by their own machine, which classifies them as auto-propelled passenger trains. All that’s missing are several official signatures, which will authorize the trans-Atlantic train transport. If all goes according to plan, the four new-but-used trains will Travel to Costa Rica in the beginning of 2009. The trains will only be used on the Heredia-San José route.

When the trains arrive, several small upgrades will be necessary, and officials are already estimating the cost of such changes. For instance, Incofer would prefer that the trains arrive already painted with the necessary colors — white and yellow — though it remains to be seen whether that will be possible. In addition, the four trains come equipped with air conditioning and television signal, though those options will be considered at a later date. The most important aspect is the trains’ mechanical condition, which has been described as excellent. The only necessary change will be to adapt the trains to use on Costa Rica’s train track.

Before moving forward, the Asamblea Legislativa must approve Incofer’s budget request. Once done, the railway institute will pay Spain for the trains and begin the importation process. With regards to the budget, Incofer has asked MOPT to transfer ¢1.45 billion ($2.64 million) to their account. In total, the Heredia trains are projected to cost approximately ¢4.4 billion (about $8 million).

The train line between Heredia and San José is not yet finished, though it is in its last stages of construction. Delays were incurred because the lines have not yet been completely cleaned and, in addition, a detour was necessary around the Virilla River. “We’re in the process of cleaning, especially after the rise of the Virilla River bridge toward Santa Rosa, especially because we’ve found ourselves in a series of waters, aqueducts and municipalities that don’t have the right of way, we’ve had to dig canals, but we keep getting closer to Heredia with the clean up,” executive president of Incofer, Miguel Carabaguíaz, said.

The Heredia train project is already more than two years behind schedule, and it is now clear that Incofer will not have the line ready by December 2008, as promised just three months ago. Plans for the 40 kilometer per hour trains are definitely moving forward, however, and it seems more and more likely that heredianos and josefinos will soon have something to celebrate in 2009.

Photo courtesy of Prensa Libre.

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Filed under: Costa Rica News on September 29th, 2008