Through a press release, Colombia revealed that the draft decree to promote the use of trains powered by renewable energies in rail networks was submitted for comments by the Ministries of Environment and Sustainable Development and Transportation.
The purpose of the draft decree is to adapt the current rail infrastructure in Colombia to allow the operation of trains free of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as to facilitate their integration with other mass transportation systems within urban areas.
“We have published a draft decree that exempts from environmental licensing requirements and imposes the PAGA instrument, to those trains that run along existing corridors within the urban perimeter and whose purpose is to connect with other mass transportation models. We want to advance in the transition and decarbonization of transportation in Colombia,” said Susana Muhamad, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development.
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Sustainable Mobility in Colombia
The document introduces amendments to Decree 1076 of 2015, particularly focused on exempting environmental licensing procedures, thus streamlining the implementation of rail projects.
This leads to an improvement in mobility, making it more efficient and sustainable, in line with both national and international commitments to combat climate change.
The license exemption will be applicable in four specific situations: when the project is carried out on existing routes; when it is incorporated into mass transit systems; when they are intercity projects; and when they use electric or zero-emission systems.
Finally, this decision benefits projects such as the Regiotram de Occidente, the future Regiotram del Norte, the River Train and the Valley Train, which must meet certain requirements:
- The activity must be carried out within the rail corridor;
- Not involve resettlement or relocation;
- Not require the construction of tunnels;
- In case of cuts, that they do not affect river source areas and their water environment, among other additional criteria.
Latam Mobility Colombia 2024
Latam Mobility, the largest sustainable mobility community in Latin America, will arrive again in Medellin for its 2024 meeting.
The two-day event, on June 4 and 5, will bring together the most prominent industry leaders, along with public sector personalities, to offer their perspectives on advances in sustainable mobility, electromobility and sustainability.
More information about the meeting and participation here
