Sener participates in a railway project in Chile to improve the country’s connectivity: the Santiago–Batuco and Alameda–Melipilla lines

The engineering and technology group Sener is involved in a key railway infrastructure development project in Latin America: the Santiago–Batuco and Alameda–Melipilla passenger train lines in Chile. Both lines, promoted by the State Railway Company (EFE), will contribute to improving connectivity and the quality of life for millions of people in the Santiago Metropolitan Region.

The Santiago–Batuco Train is an initiative for the north-western area of Santiago, connecting the Quinta Normal district with Batuco, in the Lampa municipality. This service, which will run for 26 kilometres, will enhance the connection between the inhabitants of Lampa, Quilicura and Renca and the capital’s public transport network, significantly reducing travel times and easing road congestion. It is estimated to benefit more than 35 million passengers annually.

Meanwhile, the Alameda–Melipilla Train represents the largest tender ever undertaken by EFE: it covers 61 kilometres and is expected to benefit 57 million passengers each year. It will connect Santiago’s Central Station with the districts of Cerrillos, Maipú, Padre Hurtado, Peñaflor, Talagante, El Monte and Melipilla. This infrastructure will reduce the travel time between Santiago and Melipilla by approximately 76 minutes, transforming mobility in the western part of the capital.

Sener is contributing high value-added solutions across several key phases, showcasing its extensive experience in railway engineering. As part of its services in this project, Sener is providing consultancy for the development of the control centre for both lines (Santiago–Batuco and Alameda–Melipilla)—a major milestone in the design of EFE’s operations centre, covering both the existing lines and those in the new project.

Sener’s work also includes the preparation of technical specifications for the detailed engineering of the Alameda–Melipilla railway tracks; project monitoring and engineering review services for the track and overhead line systems on this line, in consortium with Ardanuy; and the operational model simulation for both the Santiago–Batuco and Alameda–Melipilla projects, enabling the optimisation of timetables, frequencies and overall system performance.

Additionally, for both lines, Sener has conducted vibration and noise impact studies during operation, supported the tendering process for the implementation of signalling systems (a critical component for operational safety and efficiency), and updated the surface noise assessment study for both construction and operation phases. Sener has also provided consultancy and support for identifying technical requirements for the installation of bidirectional platform screen doors and self-service machines, as well as advisory services during the tender process for the installation and maintenance of the communications system.

Sener’s involvement in these strategic projects reinforces its position as a trusted technological partner in the international railway sector, contributing to the development of efficient and sustainable mobility solutions in Chile.