A train connecting Costa Rica and Panama could be possible following the first stage of a potential rail partnership between the countries.
Costa Rica’s rail institute Incofer and Panama’s National Railway Secretariat signed a “memorandum of understanding on railway development”, a formal move towards a “rail logistics corridor” for the wider region, reported Costa Rican newspaper the Tico Times.
Incofer said the agreement is aimed at advancing a modern and sustainable rail system that could strengthen regional connectivity and support trade, logistics, tourism and broader economic integration.
Panama’s proposed rail line would run 300 miles from Panama City to Paso Canoas, at the Costa Rican border.
The 14 planned stations include Albrook, La Chorrera, Santiago, David, Bugaba and Paso Canoas, said the Tico Times.
It added that Costa Rica will be Panama’s first regional partner toward a “wider Central American rail logistics corridor”.
Although plans could provide the framework for new cargo and cross-border commerce in Central America, at this stage the agreement does not guarantee that trains will cross the border.
In Europe, a new train launching this summer will connect three major Scandinavian cities for as little as 149 Swedish krone (SEK) or £12.20.
Private Swedish railway company Snälltåget has announced it is debuting a new long-distance route connecting Malmö, Gothenburg and Oslo with direct daytime services.
The six-and-a-half-hour journey, launching on 15 June, will take passengers along Sweden’s west coast and onwards across the border to Norway’s capital.
The train will also call at other destinations, including Lund, Helsingborg, Halmstad, Varberg, Trollhättan, Sarpsborg and Fredrikstad.
Read more: New train connecting three major Scandinavian cities launching this summer
