Barranquilla Mayor, Jaime Pumarejo, oversaw the successful testing of the first Puerto Mocho tourist trolley today.
Following the arrival of the “Mar” trolley in Barranquilla, the technical team of the Mallorquín train consortium immediately began the process of positioning the train on the tracks to start traction, acceleration, and braking tests, to ensure its proper operation on the 2.6 kilometers of track. Tourists will travel from Las Flores to Puerto Mocho once operational.
Mayor Jaime Pumarejo Heins supervised testing on the first 500 meters of track along with representatives of the Mallorquín train consortium.
“We are pleased because it turned out the way we imagined. First, the trolley design is what we envisioned. It’s made out of wood and open so that people can enjoy the natural scenery, in addition to incredible comfort traveling on the train tracks and 100% electric. Now we need to adjust details and finish the malecón and train stations,” said the mayor during the visit.
Regarding the arrival of the second car, the mayor indicated that “it should be here in Barranquilla next week, and we are getting closer every day to putting this at the service of Barranquilla residents. We hope that in the first quarter of next year, the Bocas de Cenizas train can be fully operational,” announced Pumarejo.
He also highlighted that the cars were built in Bogotá and feature cutting-edge technology. The mayor stated, “It also brings up memories of the old trams and trains that circulated in the past. It’s a great boost to employment and tourism and, obviously, to the Las Flores neighborhood. This will bring thousands of people who will spend money, stay overnight, and enjoy the majestic setting of the Magdalena River, the Caribbean Sea, and the Mallorquín marsh.”
Puerto Mocho Trolley Project Details
The trolley operates on 100% electric power. It contributes to sustainable development, using efficient batteries that reduce the environmental footprint.
As a whole, the project will include 2,600 meters of railway and 2,200 meters of bike path, covering more than 6,000 square meters of public area. The new 3-kilometer-long Malecón de Las Flores is also under construction. The project includes two stations: Las Flores and Puerto Mocho, both in the finishing phase. Additionally, visitors will also find information booths, ticket offices, eateries, and retail spaces.
The advisor to the Mallorquín Train consortium, Alfonso Patiño, stated that each trolley is equipped with a hydraulic and pneumatic suspension system. Additionally, it has “a perfect coupling between the wheels and the rails. The entire train was designed, built, tested, and delivered, which is a challenge for engineering. It is the first time in the country that a 100% electric, self-propelled vehicle has been built,” he assured.
The Puerto Mocho tourist trolley is expected to be operational by April 2024.
