Ministry of transportation in Argentina has signed three memorandums of understanding (MoU) for the analysis, concessional financing and implementation of railway projects with China Railway International Group Co. LTD (CRIG) and CRRC Qingdao Sifang.

The first MoU is signed with CRIG the modernization of the Sarmiento commuter railway located in Buenos Aires province. The project works includes rehabilitation of tracks 1 & 2 interconnection with subway; renovation of tracks Once- Moreno, Luján-Mercedes and Merlo-Lobos; conditioning works of the power line; completion of Caballito – Villa Luro pending signaling system; installation of the Once-Moreno fiber optic ring with remote operation; and construction of new Train Control building and central workshops in Haedo.

The second MoU is also signed with CRIG for modernization and electrification of the Belgrano Norte railway. The project includes renovation of 94 kilometers railway tracks between Retiro and Villa Rosa tracks, improvement of signaling and telecommunications, as well as refurbishment works of stations and crossings, and the provision of rolling stock. The project also includes 15 km long extension headwaters to the Pilar industrial park.

The third MoU is signed with  CRRC Qingdao Sifang Co. LTD to analyse and provide renovation works for General Urquiza railway line serving the suburbs of Buenos Aires. The scope of works involves renovation of km-long railway tracks between Federico Lacroze and General Lemos, development of third rail electrification system as well as improvement work on signaling, telecommunications, station infrastructure, and provision of rolling stock among others.

Apart from these railway concessions,  CRRC International will also evaluate the purchase of 111 cars for the Belgrano Sur line, 45 cars for Sarmiento, 20 cars for the Tren de la Costa (belonging to the Miter line), 90 cars for regional and suburban services, rails, of tracks and technology for railway operation.