Q COSTARICA — Costa Rica and Panama took another step toward transportation integration by signing a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on the development of their railway projects.
The agreement was signed between the Instituto Costarricense de Ferrocarriles (Incofer)—Costa Rican Railway Institute — and the National Railway Secretariat of Panama.
The objective is to establish cooperation mechanisms that will allow for the analysis of a potential interconnection between the railway systems being developed by both countries.
The document outlines joint work on technical and engineering studies, social and environmental impact analyses, and territorial planning.
It also includes cooperation on urban planning in border areas and on the management of risks associated with railway infrastructure development.
The memorandum will have an initial term of five years, during which time both institutions will exchange information and technical expertise.
The signing of the agreement comes as Costa Rica seeks to revive the electric train project for the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM).
Meanwhile, Panama is making progress on the construction of its third metro line in the capital and is studying the feasibility of a train line extending to Paso Canoas.
This cooperation could lay the groundwork for a future rail connection that would facilitate the transport of passengers and goods between the two countries.