Honduras resumes ambitious inter-oceanic rail project and China wants to build it

Honduras has revived the idea of building an interoceanic railroad, an initiative linking the Pacific coast to the Caribbean Sea.

The estimated US$20 billion project aims to transform the Gulf of Fonseca into a global commercial exchange hub and is expected to take over 15 years to complete.

The concept dates back to the 1850s but has seen limited progress, with only 43 miles of railroad constructed by the 1950s.

Asia, specifically China, has shown interest in the project with the country’s diplomatic ties strengthening recently.

Jari Dixon, a ruling party deputy, has indicated that the project may become a reality due to these new relations.

Honduras’ Secretary of Economic Development, Fredis Cerrato, outlined that the country had expressed interest in financing and infrastructure investment for priority projects, including the interoceanic railroad, with China.

The project plans to link the mega-ports in Amapala and Puerto Castilla via rail, with a secondary connection from the southern zone to Puerto Cortés through the Dry Canal.

The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) has previously announced financing for a feasibility study for the construction.

Other nations, including the United States, Spain, and South Korea, have also shown interest in the venture.

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