Argentina advances Belgrano Cargas privatization while Rosario metro plan is shelved

The Argentine government has approved the use of the Regime of Incentives for Large Investments (RIGI) to attract private operators for the Belgrano Cargas freight network, as well as the San Martín and Urquiza passenger lines. The new tender package, which must exceed US$200 million and meet strict execution timelines, is expected to be finalized by August, with offer submission, evaluation and award projected for early 2027.

In a separate development, the proposed mixed underground‑above‑ground subway system for Rosario and its metropolitan area – a project that had involved the Chinese firm China Railway Construction Corporation and local councilor Juan Monteverde – has been archived. The plan was abandoned after the 2023 national elections failed to produce the political consensus needed to secure financing and public‑private partnership agreements.