The Vision 2050 for Latin America Railways

The Vision 2050 for Latin American Railways is presented as a strategic guide to steer the sustainable development of railway transport in the region. Its preparation responds to the call of the International Union of Railways (UIC) to capitalise on railway assets as a condition to survive, grow and thrive. Sponsored by UIC, this document lays the foundation for implementing strategies that enhance business performance and increase investment in railway transport, while aligning with global objectives to promote a more coherent railway system worldwide – that is, technically harmonised, strategically articulated and capable of effectively integrating different regions through common standards, interoperability and a shared focus on sustainability and efficiency.

The evolution of railways in the region has been shaped by cycles of growth and long periods of decline, making it essential to adopt a renewed approach for their modernisation and consolidation within a sustainable mobility framework. As the global professional association for the railway sector, UIC leads innovative initiatives to strengthen railway competitiveness and efficiency. This document therefore serves as a key tool for planning and managing projects in non-commercial areas, including research, development and technical efficiency – critical aspects for the sector’s adaptation to future challenges. In particular, the integration of clean technologies and the development of climate-resilient infrastructure are fundamental components of future railway planning.