Colombia seeks consultancy firm for study on interoceanic rail corridor project

Colombian development bank FDN has launched a call for bids for a consultancy contract to carry out a conceptual and market study for the interoceanic rail corridor project.

The interoceanic rail corridor project is one of six nationally significant rail transport projects introduced by President Gustavo Petro at the start of his administration, as part of a broader strategy to reactivate Colombia’s rail network. The projects are supported by the Colombian government, with several countries including China, Korea, Qatar, and Mexico showing interest in assisting with the financing and development.

The interoceanic rail corridor project envisions a logistics system composed of maritime and rail infrastructure, aimed at improving connectivity between the Pacific and Caribbean coasts in the departments of Antioquia and Chocó. The goal is to move up to 25 million tons of cargo from Jurado, on the Pacific, to Unguía, on the Atlantic.

The exact cost of the 222-kilometer rail project remains unknown, but estimates put it between $7 billion and $13 billion.

A call for consultancy

According to the tender information released by FDN, a yet to be appointed consulting firm will conduct a market study on the interoceanic rail corridor project.

Consultancies wishing to submit a proposal must submit their technical and financial bids by August 5. The opening of bids is scheduled for August 22.

The commissioned study is intended to complement the analyses conducted by the transportation infrastructure planning unit (UPIT) and provide estimates to define the project’s technical requirements. These will support the financial and legal evaluations needed to determine the viability of the initiative.

The final consultancy report must be delivered within a maximum of 170 days from the start of the contract.