Implementing the projects would involve an investment of approximately US$7.9 billion.
Public Works Minister Jessica López and the General Directorate of Concessions (DGC) presented 15 new initiatives for tender under the public-private partnership model before President Gabriel Boric´s administration ends in March 2026.
Implementing the projects would involve an investment of approximately US$7.9 billion.
The portfolio includes projects like the Santiago-Valparaíso train, the Alto Hospicio-Iquique and Talcahuano cable cars, road work on Route 5, and new prisons in Santiago and Calama.
Conceptually, the public works projects for tender fall within six strategic areas: better cities, greater across-the-board connectivity, widening Route 5, new modes of transportation, improved airport service, and buildings that contribute to public safety.
Minister López pointed out, “Our administration’s efforts aim to create as much public infrastructure as possible. In recent years, the emphasis has been on promoting economic growth, and the Public Works Ministry projects aim to contribute to employment and growth. For the last year of this administration, we have a portfolio of 15 projects—approximately US$8 billion—ready for tender between now and March 11, 2026. That is our commitment.”
This project portfolio also has an economic and social impact. In light of this announcement, the projected employability for 2025 is 22,025 average monthly jobs, of which 15,800 are in new construction, 5,325 are part of the Good Neighbor Program, and 900 are related to improvement projects.
This investment represents approximately 2.6% of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
General Director of Concessions Juan Manuel Sánchez said, “This robust, 15-project portfolio supplements the nine projects with an estimated investment of US$3.1 billion already in the tendering process. Both portfolios reflect the continuity of the concession system and its capacity to adapt to meet today’s challenges. The investor presence at the event is a positive sign of interest and confidence and a concrete opportunity to promote strategic public works that directly impact the lives of people and the sustainable development of Chile.”
Alfredo Echavarría, Chilean Chamber of Construction (CChC) Chairman, expressed pleasure that the Public Works Ministry “has regained momentum and believes in the concession system. It is the only way for the country to continue developing because fiscal resources are always scarce and cannot support this type of investment. Furthermore, public-private partnerships free up state resources to build infrastructure where concession systems cannot be implemented.” Echavarría concluded, “This project portfolio confirms that the concession system is essential for infrastructure development, facilitating overall progress.”
Source: La Tercera.
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