Paper: Major investment needed to rehabilitate Cochabamba train station

Cochabamba's central train station, once the rail hub for southeast Bolivia and the important station after capital La Paz, has deteriorated to the point that it is almost inoperable, according to an editorial local newspaper Opinion. The editorial described the station as having: "Filthy rooms, peeling walls, stinking because the corners have been converted into public toilets, abundant garbage and dead animals thrown near the tracks, [and] puddles of foul water." Doors, window and even the weigh scales have disappeared. The station has fallen into disrepair since passenger services between Cochabamba and Oruro were suspended. Passenger services are due to start up again later this year, but much work needs to be done, and infrastructure put back in place, the report said. The streets and open areas outside the station have been taken over by street vendors and informal markets, which will have to be controlled to allow transit space for passengers and cargo. Officials from the Cochabamba municipality and railroad authorities carried out an inspection of the station and surrounding area this week to find out the scale of the investment required to resume operations. Cochabamba has some 400,000 residents and is one of Bolivia's most important provincial cities.