The contract was signed by the Colombian government’s Financial Territorial Development Agency (Findeter), the Arco Bogotá Zipa consortium of Ardanuy Ingeniería, Spain, and Coral Delgado y Asociados Abogados, Colombia, and the Egis, Deloitte, Duran and Osorio joint venture.

The Pesos 2.3bn ($US 550,000) contract will run for 17 months. Findeter will direct this phase of the work supported by the British government’s Prosperity Fund.

Regiotram del Norte involves rebuilding the existing 39.5km Bogota - Zipaquirá line for both freight and light rail passenger operation. In January, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CECC) won a Pesos 3600bn contract to design and build the line and operate and maintain it for 21 years. It is hoped to open the line in the first half of 2024.

Duque said at the event that Regiotram del Norte “represents one of the most important and strategic corridors for the region and undoubtedly will imply a change in the quality of life and mobility for a great number of citizens.”

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