The Biotren Metro Project of Chile is China's first rail train export project in Chile. The 12 sets of electric multiple units (EMUs) made by CRRC Sifang arrived in Chile in March 2021, and the relevant trials and the 2000-km no-load running test were completed in mid-October. They have been put into operation.
The trains, with the designed speed of 120 km per hour, will mainly operate on the Biotren Metro Line 1 and Line 2 as well as the Corto Laja Line in Biobio Region. The project is part of Chile's plan of upgrading rail transport facilities, and the first time for the above-mentioned three lines to revamp railway vehicles in the past 40 years. The trains are designed with the highest crash safety standard, and installed with the advanced collision energy absorption and anti-climbing system. The windows are made of special thermal and sound insulation materials, which can reduce noise and adapt to the cold and rainy climate. In addition, sanding devices are installed in trains, ensuring the sound traction and braking capacity in humid or rainy conditions.
After their operation, these 12 new trains will increase trips of Biotren and Corto Laja lines from 68 to 101 every day, and transport over 5 million passengers every year.
