On October 26th, 2018, local time, Chile National Railways (EFE) held a press conference, announcing that Consortium led by CRRC Qingdao Sifang Co. Ltd win the bid of 13 sets (36 cars) of railway vehicles procurement project of Bío Bío and Araucanía.
It is reported that EFE issued Request for Proposal in November, 2017 for purchase of 36 sets of EMUs and DMUs for Bío regional railway, Corto Laja, Victoria-Temuco Line. The consortium composed of CRRC Sifang and Chile Temoinsa Company won the bid from the competition.
This project will include procurement of 13 sets (36 cars), including 10 sets of 3-car EMUs, 3 sets of 2-car DMUs, as well as some spare parts, maintenance equipment and vehicle maintenance for 5 years. The design speed of vehicles is 140km/h, with the features of large capacity, low energy consumption, high fireproof standard, low noise level etc. The auxiliary boarding device for disabilities will also be provided.
This winning of Chile railway vehicle procurement project is another significant breakthrough in South America market after Argentina intercity EMU project and Brazil São Paulo metro vehicle project.