From July 25, 2006,
Tren macho will begin operations at the end of 2007
"The "Tren Macho", that travels the route Huancayo-Huancavelica, could be ready and operating a new wide track (standard gauge) at the end of 2007, stated the president of the Central Andean Railway. The construction work will begin in two months.
The above information was found on the Latin American Newsletter called "Travel Update" It was dated July 25, 2006 the email address is travel@latinamerica. Their has been rumors floating around for several years about this plan. Recently a conference was held in Lima, Peru about this proposal.
Some speculation on my part. The Ferrovia Central Andino that operates the former Peru Central has been looking at ways to gain more market. The Central Highway from La Oroya to Lima is very dangerous and winding two lane (most of the way) road to Chosica near the foothills of the Andes. The highway is overloaded with trucks that transport the majority of Agricultural and food products to Lima.
The life line for Lima is the Central Corridor and it has reached staturation levels of traffic. The FCA has proposed a new 15 Km. tunnel under the Andes between a point near La Oroya and another point on the western slope (Catapalca?) to run TOFC trains. The TOFC trains would then unload or reload on either side of the Andes.
The extension would be to Huancayo and Huancavelica to pick up more TOFC traffic? Why else spend so much money on a project to pickup a few Indians to travel to market in Huancayo?
Why is it called "Tren Macho"? Because it leaves when it wants to and returns when it is ready. Obviously schedules and timekeeping are not a high priority?
Same issue also announce the new Tren Cafe ye Azucar in Colombia would start running from Cali to Buenaventura for turistas. That is a 3 ft gauge line.
Dale Brown
