The sketch design of electric multiple units for Chilean State Railways by CRRC Sifang, a unit of China Railway Rolling Stock. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)

CRRC Sifang, a unit of China Railway Rolling Stock — the country's largest rolling stock manufacturer by production volume — was officially awarded the contract to build multiple electric units for Chilean State Railways, also known as EFE.

In a collaborative effort, a consortium of CRRC Sifang and local partner Temoinsa will supply 32 three-car units for Santiago's suburban services.

It was the largest single rolling stock order in EFE's history according to CRRC Sifang, based in Qingdao, Shandong province.

These new trains will represent a leap forward in rail transportation for EFE. Designed to achieve a maximum speed of 140 kilometers per hour, each unit boasts capacity for approximately 800 passengers.

The design of the trains will emphasize lightweight construction, intellectualization and eco-friendliness.

Of the 32 trains, 22 will be deployed to the new 61-kilometer commuter line running west from Alameda station in Santiago to Melipilla, with the remaining 10 planned for a new route north from Alameda to Quinta Normal and Batuco, according to a report from International Railway Journal, a leading international publication on global railways.

The new trains will be air-conditioned and fully accessible, including methods for passengers in wheelchairs to board. Deliveries are expected to commence in 2026.

The new fleet forms part of EFE's strategy to triple passenger traffic to 150 million passengers a year by 2027. The new commuter service to Melipilla is expected to carry 57 million passengers a year, and to Batuco a further 35 million.