Strengths

The railway's strategy of expansion and modernisation of services has resulted in rail tonnages more than doubling over the last 10 years from 3.1 million tons in 1999 to 6.3 million tons in 2009. The rail network also remains well placed to benefit from any further increases in mining activity in northern Chile.

The FCAB has a long-term investment programme to improve its network generally and to upgrade its track, by re-laying heavier rail to support increased axle loads. This modernisation programme protects both the quality of services provided and the safety of operations throughout the system.