The national government asked the State Railway Administration (AFE) the purchase of new locomotives to compete as an operator in the Central Railwaysince they fear that the private train UPM monopolize operations on the brand new railway network.
This Wednesday, the holder of the MTOP, José Luis Faleroconfirmed that the Executive power He commissioned AFE to purchase new locomotives, which are capable of circulating on the Central Railway, not like the ones it currently has.
In November of this year, the consortium in charge of the construction of the Central Railway reported that it had successfully completed the plant connection works. UPM Paso de los Toros (UPM 2)located in Centennial Town (Durazno)with the Port of Montevideo.
Against this, Falero He explained that, although it was not contemplated in the original project that the government was considering, they now requested the purchase of new locomotives, in the search for AFE to also be a leading player in the use of the railway network.
“We are looking for a public-private competitor through Self (Railway Logistics Services)which is 51% of AFE and 49% of the National Development Corporationin addition to other operators that may arise,” commented Falero.
“AFE disappeared”
Likewise, the minister pointed out that there is currently a bidding process for this, since if things continued as they were, “AFE would disappear and the private operator of UPM circulating”.
“We want there to be competition in the country,” said the member of the Executive power, who assured that AFE It is currently repairing some cars that could be useful for the new locomotives.
Source: Ambito
