Congested Bogota Brings in China to Build $4 Billion Metro Line

  • China-led consortium to construct, operate Bogota’s first line
  • Elevated 15-mile rail line looks to cut 5-hour commutes

General view of traffic driving through 26 street in Bogota.

Photographer: John Vizcaino/AFP
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A Chinese-led group of companies won a multi-billion dollar contract to construct Bogota’s first metro line, as officials in Colombia’s traffic-clogged capital push ahead with a project that’s been in the works for nearly seven decades.

Bogota Mayor Enrique Penalosa said the more than $4 billion contract will be awarded to a consortium called Apca Transmimetro, led by China Harbor Engineering Co., Xi’An Metro Co., Brazil’s CRRC Changchun Do Brasil Railway Equipamentos e Servicos and Canada-based plane and train manufacturer Bombardier Inc.