In January 2026, Peru awarded Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina) the contract to build a 120-kilometer railway corridor linking the Chancay Megaport with the central highlands, crossing the Andes, with an estimated investment of US$420 million.
Not the same as the bioceanic railway
This project is distinct from the so-called "bioceanic corridor" (the idea of a transcontinental railway to Brazil). It is a shorter, more concrete line focused on moving minerals like copper and lithium from the central highlands directly to the port.
What it aims to solve
The main goal is to cut mineral transport time from the central highlands from 18 hours by road to just 5 hours by rail, while integrating cargo directly into the Chancay port system without intermediate transfers.
Key facts
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 120 km |
| Investment | US$420 million |
| Contractor | PowerChina |
| Estimated construction time | ~36 months |
| Projected operation start | 2028 |
| Transport time reduction | From 18 to 5 hours |
Frequently asked questions
- Is this the same as the bioceanic railway to Brazil?
- No, it is a separate, more limited project connecting Chancay with Peru's central highlands, not Brazil.
- Who is building the railway?
- PowerChina, the Chinese company awarded the project in January 2026.
- When would it start operating?
- Operations are projected to start in 2028, after roughly 36 months of construction.
Source: La República