Colas Rail Secures Major Santiago Metro Line 9 Contract, Strengthening Its Leadership in Chile’s Expanding Railway Sector

Image generated with Ai

Colas Rail has secured a significant new contract for the development of the Santiago Metro Line 9, reinforcing its long-standing presence in Chile and further strengthening its position within one of South America’s most ambitious urban transport programmes. The latest contract forms part of the construction of the future Line 9 of the Santiago metro, a transformative infrastructure project designed to improve mobility across the Chilean capital through a modern north-south transport corridor. The project represents another important milestone in the company’s continued growth, with Colas Rail being entrusted with the delivery of critical electrical systems and long-term maintenance responsibilities.

The future Santiago Metro Line 9 has been planned as a major investment in Chile’s public transport infrastructure, with an estimated total value of 2.5 billion euros. Stretching across approximately 27 kilometres and incorporating 19 stations along with a dedicated maintenance and storage centre, the new metro line has been designed to improve connectivity throughout Santiago while integrating seamlessly with seven existing metro lines. The commissioning of the first operational section has been scheduled for 2030, marking another major step in the continued expansion of the city’s rapidly evolving transport network.

A Landmark Infrastructure Project for Santiago

The development of Line 9 has been recognised as one of the most significant public transport projects currently under construction in Santiago. Once completed, the new metro corridor will provide improved connectivity between northern and southern districts of the Chilean capital, helping to reduce travel times while supporting increasing passenger demand across the metropolitan area.

With a total planned length of 27 kilometres, the line will feature 19 modern stations strategically positioned to serve residential, commercial and employment centres throughout the city. In addition to passenger facilities, a dedicated maintenance and storage centre will also be established to support long-term operational efficiency and fleet management.

The infrastructure has been designed to integrate with seven existing metro lines, allowing passengers to move more efficiently across Santiago’s expanding underground network. This level of integration is expected to improve network resilience while creating a stronger and more interconnected public transport system capable of supporting future urban growth.

Investment of 2.5 Billion Euros to Transform Urban Mobility

The construction of Santiago Metro Line 9 represents a total investment estimated at 2.5 billion euros, highlighting the scale of Chile’s commitment to expanding sustainable urban transport infrastructure.

The new line has been planned not only to increase passenger capacity but also to establish an additional primary north-south transport corridor serving one of South America’s fastest-growing metropolitan regions. By strengthening links between existing metro routes, the infrastructure is expected to improve accessibility while supporting economic development across multiple districts of Santiago.

The first operational section of the line has been scheduled to enter service in 2030, with subsequent phases expected to further expand the benefits of the project as construction progresses.

Colas Rail Entrusted with Critical Electrical Infrastructure

Under the newly awarded contract, responsibility has been assigned to Colas Rail for delivering several essential components required to support the safe and reliable operation of the future metro line.

Among the principal works included within the contract is the construction of a new electrical distribution centre, which will play a central role in supplying power across the metro system.

In addition, eight rectifier substations will be constructed to support the electrical infrastructure required for train operations. These facilities will be responsible for converting electrical power into the form required for traction systems, ensuring continuous and efficient operation across the network.

The project also includes the installation of thirty-nine lighting and power supply units that will provide electrical services throughout the infrastructure. Together, these systems will contribute to the operational safety, reliability and overall functionality of the metro line.

Advanced SCADA Technology to Support Railway Operations

An important element of Colas Rail’s responsibilities involves the deployment of a comprehensive Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system, commonly known as SCADA.

The SCADA platform will be introduced to manage power distribution, traction systems and traction control across the new metro infrastructure. Through centralised monitoring and operational oversight, the technology will enable efficient supervision of electrical assets while supporting rapid identification and management of operational issues.

Modern railway systems increasingly rely on sophisticated digital monitoring platforms, and the deployment of SCADA technology has become an essential component of maintaining safe, reliable and efficient transport operations within large metropolitan rail networks.

Twenty Years of Long-Term Maintenance Responsibilities

The contract extends beyond the construction phase by incorporating a comprehensive maintenance programme covering all installed electrical facilities for a period of twenty years.

This long-term responsibility reflects confidence in Colas Rail’s technical expertise and operational capabilities. Through ongoing maintenance, inspections and system optimisation, continued operational reliability will be supported long after construction activities have been completed.

Such extended maintenance agreements have become increasingly important within major infrastructure projects, ensuring that critical systems continue operating efficiently while reducing the likelihood of service disruptions throughout the infrastructure’s operational lifespan.

Confidence Reinforced Through Continued Project Success

The latest contract has further demonstrated the confidence placed in Colas Rail’s ability to design, deploy and maintain highly complex railway systems across large-scale urban transport projects.

The future Line 9 of the Santiago metro has been recognised as a strategically important investment for the Chilean capital, with the project expected to play a central role in strengthening public transport connectivity throughout the metropolitan region.

According to Hervé Le Joliff, Executive Vice President, Railways, the latest contract reflects continued confidence in Colas Rail’s expertise across both railway construction and long-term maintenance. The company’s complementary capabilities in railway track installation and electrical systems have been recognised as significant advantages in delivering complex transport infrastructure projects.

More Than a Decade of Experience Supporting Santiago Metro

The latest contract builds upon an already extensive record of successful project delivery throughout Chile.

Over the past decade, Colas Rail’s teams have participated in the construction of Santiago Metro Lines 3 and 6 while also contributing to the extensions of Lines 2 and 3. These projects have played an important role in expanding the city’s underground transport network and improving passenger mobility across multiple districts.

Since 2016, responsibility has also been assumed for maintaining the entire Santiago metropolitan underground network. Today, this extensive network comprises seven metro lines, 149 kilometres of double track and 143 stations, demonstrating the scale of Colas Rail’s long-term involvement in one of Latin America’s largest urban railway systems.

Expanding Beyond Metro Projects into Chile’s National Railway Network

Colas Rail’s activities within Chile extend well beyond the Santiago Metro.

The company is actively participating in the development of Chile’s national railway infrastructure through its involvement in the future Alameda–Melipilla line. Working on behalf of the state-owned company EFE, Colas Rail has been entrusted with supplying and installing railway track and catenary systems along one section of the future route.

The Alameda–Melipilla railway has been planned to strengthen connections between Santiago and the southwest of the country, providing improved passenger mobility while supporting broader regional transport development. Once completed, the new railway is expected to contribute significantly to enhancing Chile’s national transport infrastructure.

Continued Growth Following Earlier Contract Success

The latest contract follows another important achievement secured during 2025, when Colas Rail was awarded the contract for the construction of the second section of the future AlamedaMelipilla line.

Together, these successive contract awards highlight the company’s sustained growth momentum across Chile’s rapidly expanding railway sector. Continued project success has reinforced confidence in the Group’s technical expertise while strengthening its reputation among public authorities and infrastructure partners responsible for delivering major transport developments.

As investment in Chile’s railway infrastructure continues to increase, Colas Rail has further consolidated its position among the country’s leading railway specialists. Through its combined expertise in railway construction, electrical installations, digital control systems and long-term infrastructure maintenance, the company is expected to remain a significant contributor to the continued modernisation of Chile’s transport network for many years to come.