Construction of the first solar-powered tourist train, which will run from Argentina to Cusco, is expected to be completed by August 2019.
Track laying for Latin America’s first solar-powered train began in February 2018. The goal of the project is to offer tourist trips. Its starting point will be the province of Jujuy in Argentina. Check out our post JUJUY ARGENTINA: 7 DAYS THROUGH THE HUMAHUACA GORGE, where we list all the places to visit in Jujuy!
A 20-km section in northern Argentina is expected to be ready by August 2019. This will connect the province of Jujuy with Purmamarca and Maimará.
The tracks will then extend to Bolivia and later to Cusco, with Machu Picchu as the final destination. Check out our post CUSCO AND MACHU PICCHU IN 7 DAYS where we talk about our trip to Machu Picchu
To start with, it will be a small train with a single car capable of carrying 240 passengers. It is a tourist train with a speed of 30 km/h.
Solar panels on the roof.
Photovoltaic panels will be installed on the roofs of the cars to power the train. The system also features a diesel-hydraulic engine.
This train is being developed by the same international experts who participated in the construction of the solar train in Australia.
This project is a major challenge that is developing technology for the rail transport of the future.
This is the second solar train to operate in the world; the first is the Byron Bay train in Australia.
The solar train in Latin America will follow the route of the Belgrano Cargas railway. This is a strategic advantage, as the line was taken out of service 25 years ago and, fortunately, runs along the Inca Trail.
The construction of this train requires a fairly high investment. For the first phase, $9 million will be invested. Additionally, $6 million will be required for the construction of the second phase.
