CRRC Tangshan has unveiled the first of a fleet of trains powered by lithium iron phosphate batteries that it is supplying to the northern Argentinian province of Jujuy. The order represents the first time CRRC’s “new energy light rail train” technology has been exported from China.
The two-car articulated train seats 72 passengers and has a top speed of 60km/h. The trains will be used for a new service aimed at the tourist market and feature large windows to enable passengers to view the scenery.
The white and red sandstone exterior livery is based on the rock formations at the Quebrada de Humahuaca World Heritage site in Argentina which lies just north of the planned area of operation.
The trains will be used on the 1000mm-gauge line between Volcán and Tilcara serving the Quebrada de Humahuaca area. This line once formed part of the cross-border route between Argentina and Bolivia. Passenger services on the line ended in the 1970s, although freight traffic remains. The 42km line is being rebuilt between Volcán and Tilcara with new stations being constructed for the planned tourist train service.
The provincial government launched reconstruction works on the line in February 2022, starting with the Volcán - Tilcara section. This is due to be followed by a second stage between Tilcara and Humahuaca and a third phase between Humahuaca and La Quiaca.
