Tucumán Reactivates Sugar Rail Link to Ports

The government of Tucumán has announced the reactivation of the Cruz Alta sugar mill railway spur. This infrastructure was built entirely by Compañía Azucarera Los Balcanes. It will connect the company's production to the Argentine ports of Campana and Rosario. The spur had lain dormant for over 45 years.

According to the provincial government, the spur's operation will directly link sugar production with the ports. This optimizes logistics. It also strengthens the sector's export capacity. The infrastructure is projected to move an average of tons of raw sugar annually. This includes both bulk and big bag shipments.

Project Scope and Infrastructure

The project was developed with engineering from IETSA. It involved significant construction. This included over two kilometers of new tracks. They are prepared for ten-car, broad-gauge trains. Embankments were built. A logistics platform was also created. Concrete pavement was installed in the loading zone. The work added two track switches and a new security system.

Official Statements on Development

Miguel Ángel Acevedo is the Vice Governor of Tucumán Province. He emphasized the project's significance. "Los Balcanes and Ledesma are putting a branch line into operation," he stated. "It will connect Tucumán's production with the ports and, from there, with the world." He expressed satisfaction and gratitude. He noted that the state must be present on issues like connectivity.

Acevedo valued the recovery of the railway. He called it a tool for projecting provincial development. He called it a historic day. It was not for recovering something from the past, but for looking to the future. He argued that the state does not generate wealth itself. But it must create conditions for private companies to function and develop.

Eduardo Castro is the Secretary of State for Production of Tucumán Province. He highlighted the scale of the work. He said it represents an advance for production. This is especially true for the region's main economy: sugar. It will allow the province to send production to ports. From there, it can go to different parts of the world. He added that this type of infrastructure is key. It is part of the province's economic future growth.

Castro explained that increasing exports helps balance the sugar market. All exported sugar is welcome. It reduces the amount remaining in the domestic market. This helps strengthen its price. He believes this is the first project of its kind in Tucumán. Others will follow. This could improve the region's position in the national export market.

Industry Perspective and Competitive Edge

Catalina Rocchia Ferro is the Executive Director of Compañía Azucarera Los Balcanes. She described herself as passionate about the sugar industry and its history. For her, it represents an identity. It is built on rails, work, and the possibility of alliances with companies like Ledesma.

She stressed the need for competitiveness. This is especially true when exporting. Completing this branch line provides a significant advantage. It lowers freight costs, considering the distance to the ports. Loading directly from production to the wagon saves resources. It allows the sector to gain competitiveness, she concluded.