Central Peru trans-andean tunnel

Description: The project involves the construction of a multipurpose trans-Andean tunnel that will pass through part of Peru's central Andes mountain range. Numerous route proposals have been put forward, with the overall aim of lowering transport costs and reducing travel time between Peru's Junín region and the greater metropolitan area of capital Lima. Initial estimates indicate travel time between the two destinations will be reduced to 6 hours from 12 hours. The tunnel would be built for cars and trains, with proposals for the freight train cargo capacity to be in the range of 3,000t (based on a 52-car train). The rail line would be around 1,200m below Ticlio, an auto and rail mountain pass 4,818m at its highest point. Existing rail stretches would be modernized in a possible second stage. Authorities are also mulling whether to let water and telecom firms run pipes and fiber optic cables through the tunnel and to shift more cargo from road to rail, which would generate additional revenue. The project consists of a package to develop three tunnels that will allow fast, safe and cost-competitive passenger transportation from Lima to Junín. The initiative is part of the National Railway Development Plan.