Chile starts process to restore train to Bolivian capital

[Judi Lynn]

Chile starts process to restore train to Bolivian capital
By Associated Press
9:19 AM EST, November 25, 2008

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) _ Chile is setting out to revive a train line that gives neigboring Bolivia a cargo route to the sea.

The Port Authority of Arica says it is seeking bids on restoring 206 kilometers (124 miles) of railroad from the coastal town of Arica to the Bolivian border. The line continues on to Bolivia's capital of La Paz.

The port officials said Monday that work should be completed by September 2010 at a cost of $23 million.

The train is used mainly for cargo and has been idle for over three years because the Bolivian company that managed it went broke.

The restored train will be administered by a new company picked in a public bidding.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/nationworld/sns-ap-lt-chile-bolivia-train,0,2762232.story