A tender has been launched to conduct studies and analysis regarding the development of a new line between Santiago and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) wants a consultancy firm to prepare market demand studies as well as the analysis of regulatory frameworks and governance of the railway sector in the country. The deadline for submissions is October 26.

The bidding process is part of the non-reimbursable technical cooperation approved by CABEI and Korea in August within the framework of the Korea-CABEI Single Donor Trust Fund, which is worth $US 630,000.

“We celebrate the progress of this regional initiative to develop a safe and efficient rail transport network for freight and passengers,” says CABEI executive president, Dr Dante Mossi. “This will contribute to the government’s strategic objectives of promoting mobility, diversifying exports, promote economic growth and competitiveness, which translates into quality of life for its inhabitants.”

The line is part of the design of the Integrated Transportation System (SIT), with the aim of providing solutions to problems surrounding transport, mobility, accessibility between cities and emissions in the country. The Office for the Development of Urban and Interurban Mobility Projects, under the Ministry of the Presidency of the Dominican Republic, is leading the SIT project.

The two cities are around 155km apart with the journey by road taking 2hr 26min. Santo Domingo has a two-line 27.4km metro network while a light rail system is planned for Santiago.

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