RAILROAD EXTENSION

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The Magdalena Valley Railroad Extension Project for Colombia will provide a loan of US $15.9 million to the Colombian National Railroads to purchase equipment and construct a railroad line from the Caribbean coast to Gamarra on the Magdalena River. The objective of the project is to provide a through railroad connection between the Bogota and Medellin areas and the Caribbean ports without the need of transshipment to and from river barges at Gamarra. Its components are: 1) construction of 300 km of single-track, yard-gauge line; 2) improvement of curves, grades, and bridges; 3) installation of terminal yards, shops, and sheds; 4) procurement of diesel locomotives, freight cars, and passenger coaches for railway haulage; 5) procurement of tractor-trailer units for highway haulage; and 6) installation of slips and buying craft for ferry service. These new additions will ensure faster haulage of North-South trade, promote agricultural development of the traversed region, and increase the earnings of the Colombian National Railroads.