In Colombia, there is an electric train still in operation that few people know about: the Acerias Paz del Rio train. Running between the municipalities of Nobsa and Paz de Rio, in the Boyaca department, it has been operating for over half a century and remains the only electric train in Colombia. Originally built for a steel company, it has gone beyond its initial purpose, becoming an essential means of transportation, a living heritage, and a sustainable alternative for local communities.
The story of Colombia’s last electric train
The train began operating in 1963, as part of an ambitious industrial development project led by Acerias Paz del Rio, Colombia’s first steel company. The goal was clear: to create an efficient system for transporting iron ore, coal, and limestone from nearby mines to the production plant in Belencito. Unlike conventional trains powered by steam or diesel, this system was electric, becoming an unprecedented innovation in the country.
The original railway line spans approximately 38 kilometers, passing through towns like Tópaga, Corrales, and Tasco. For its construction, electric locomotives and equipment were imported from France, and a power substation was installed, which still supplies electricity to the system through overhead catenary lines.
For decades, this train was the backbone of industrial transportation in the region, moving thousands of tons of raw materials each year. But beyond its industrial role, it also gained social importance: the inclusion of a passenger car allowed farmers, workers, and students to use it as daily transportation, especially in an area where roads were limited or in poor condition.
Today, the train continues to operate as a public transport option. There are four routes running each day, with a carriage that accommodates 60 passengers, mostly local farmers or steel company employees. The 90-minute ride is free, and many still prefer it over the intermunicipal bus, which takes longer to reach the same destinations.
A growing tourist attraction
The train has also begun to draw the attention of tourists, travelers, and curious visitors seeking a unique experience: traveling through the stunning landscapes of the upper Chicamocha Canyon aboard a vintage 1960s electric locomotive, winding through mountains, tunnels, and bridges with dramatic views. Some local tourism operators have started to include the train in their itineraries, recognizing its cultural value and potential as a rural tourism highlight.
The electric train of Boyaca not only represents the country’s industrial past but also offers an alternative vision for the future of mobility. In an era when the global energy transition is a pressing priority, this railway system stands as a tangible example of clean, efficient, and community-centered transportation.
Beyond the steel it carries or the towns it connects, this train symbolizes the resilience of a region that has preserved its heritage and adapted it to modern realities. With the right support, it could become a replicable model for other parts of Colombia.
@kevin.bolanos Tren de Acerías Paz del Río