Trains for Chile 2050 · Railway

Because further
railway
for Chile?

Rail is one of the most efficient, safe and sustainable modes for passenger and freight transport, offering important advantages that make it especially valuable for long-term policies.

2%of total energy consumption of global transport

3-10 times less CO₂ than a car or plane

4–6×lower external social costs

The advantages of the train

A mode of transport superior

These factors make the train not only competitive in efficiency and sustainability, but also contribute comprehensively to the economic, social and technological development of the regions that adopt it.

High capacity

It moves large volumes of passengers and cargo, reducing the need for multiple trips in smaller vehicles. Less congestion, greater operational efficiency for the entire system.

3.5x less land use than the car

Energy efficiency

The railway represents approximately 2% of total transport energy consumptionDespite handling a significant portion of passengers and cargo, its efficiency is far superior to that of road or air transport.

Fuente: IEA, The Future of Rail

Far fewer emissions

Traveling by train produces between 3 and 10 times less CO₂ per passenger-kilometer compared to cars or airplanes. With renewable energy, direct emissions approach zero. It also contributes to reducing air pollution and ecosystem fragmentation.

Fuente: UIC Sustainability

Much safer

Segregated rail lines have much lower accident rates than roads. The external social costs are more than 4× minors for passengers and more than 6x minors for cargo, compared to road transport.

4–6× lower external costs

Independent of traffic

It operates on its own segregated infrastructure, guaranteeing predictable and reliable travel times. This is a key advantage in cities like Santiago, Concepción, and Valparaíso, where traffic congestion is a growing structural problem.

100% independent of road traffic

Engine of territorial development

It strengthens connectivity between urban centers, intermediate zones, and rural areas. It generates direct and indirect jobs and promotes innovation in advanced signaling, digital logistics, and electrification.

Direct and indirect jobs

Specific data

The train leader in sustainability

On a 500 km journey, the differences between modes are enormous. Official SNCF/UIC data.

Locomotora FEPASA de carga en San Pedro, Quillota, Chile

Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA

CO₂ per passenger-km · 500 km

Grams of CO₂ per passenger-km

Electric train

7 g

Bus

17 g

Automobile

47 g

Plane

66 g

Taking the train between London and Paris instead of flying reduces emissions by a 90%Source: SNCF / UIC.

Land use: A 25m-wide double-track railway corridor carries 8,000 passengers per hour in each direction. The equivalent motorway requires 75m and only moves 7,650 passengers per hour. The train uses less space and moves more people.

Support the future
Chilean railway

Sign the National Railway Policy and join the initiative that seeks to transform the country's mobility and logistics by 2050.

Sign the initiative

High speed by 2050?

Contact us