Argentina, Uruguay Resume Railroad Service

Buenos Aires, Aug 29. -President Cristina Fernandez and her Uruguayan counterpart Jose Mujica are officially resuming on Monday a railroad service, which was suspended 30 years ago. The line links the Argentine city of Pilar with Salto of Uruguay.Fernandez is scheduled to arrive in the city of Concordia and then will travel by helicopter to the Ayui train station, and from there to Salto where she will be welcomed by Mujica.

The meeting, scheduled for 17:00 local time, will also be attended by Governor Sergio Urribarri of the Entre Rios province, and the majors of Concordia and Salto.

The resumption of this passenger service was announced August 2 during a visit of the Uruguayan president to Argentina. At the time, a dozen of cooperation agreements were signed.

The fully repaired railroad crosses the river Uruguay in a one-hour stretch line that was already tested on railroad track compatibility.

A 9.5-ton locomotive was used for tests, pullling two 72-seat wagons each. On each test, the train reached a speed of 50 kilometers per hour crossing the river.

According to Transportation Secretary Juan Pablo Schiavi, the railroad project is economically important for both countries as it links banks of the Parana and Uruguay rivers, in the Entre Rios province, a relevant tourist zone. (Prensa Latina)