Lima’s Commuter Train Project Stalls After Poor Condition of Second-Hand Locomotives

Lima’s ambitious commuter rail project has encountered significant setbacks after an inspection revealed critical issues with the second-hand rolling stock purchased from Caltrain, a US-based commuter operator. The 19 EMD F40PH diesel locomotives and 90 double-deck coaches, which were part of a $US 6.32 million deal, have been found to be in much worse condition than expected, complicating the 46.2km commuter service planned to connect Alfonso Ugarte station in Lima to Ricardo Palma.

Poor Rolling Stock Condition Causes Setback

In November 2024, Caltrain struck a deal with the municipality of Lima to sell the surplus rolling stock, made available after the electrification of the San Francisco-San Jose line. The second-hand locomotives and coaches were intended to run on a new commuter service announced by the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) in 2022. The project aims to build new stations at Alfonso Ugarte, Abancay, Huaycán, and La Florida, as well as establish 14 additional stops along the route.

However, after the initial batch of rolling stock arrived in July 2025, local media raised concerns about the feasibility of the project. Engineering reports highlighted severe issues with the infrastructure and equipment. These reports suggested that, under current conditions, the commuter service would be limited to speeds of 20km/h, as freight trains on the line operate at similar low speeds. The lack of double tracks, stations, and proper signalling, along with the absence of the planned infrastructure upgrades, has made it impossible to guarantee the safety of the service.

César Sandoval, the Minister of Transport and Communications, acknowledged the challenges, stating, “There is no double track, no four stations, no 14 stops, and no signalling, which makes it impossible to guarantee service safety.” Furthermore, no official implementation schedule or funding plan has been confirmed by the MTC or the municipality of Lima, despite ongoing discussions between the parties.

Inspection Reveals Critical Defects

A comprehensive inspection commissioned by the municipality of Lima and conducted by US consultancy Rail Electrical Service has further complicated the situation. The inspection revealed that the rolling stock suffers from critical mechanical and structural deterioration, with some vehicles deemed beyond repair. The estimated cost of replacement parts is close to $US 2 million.

Key defects include:

• Structural fatigue and corrosion, rendering several coaches beyond repair
• Three locomotives requiring a complete engine rebuild
• Oil and coolant leaks, seized engines, and turbocharger failures
• Missing windows, doors, and cab components
• Inoperative HVAC systems and damaged electrical wiring
• Critical components that are obsolete and no longer supported by the manufacturer

The report even suggested that one of the locomotives should be scrapped entirely and repurposed for spare parts. In light of these findings, the MTC has announced plans to initiate legal and administrative proceedings against the state of the rolling stock purchased from Caltrain. The findings will be referred to the Comptroller General, Congress, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office to investigate possible administrative or criminal liability.

California Enacts New Legislation to Ban Further Sales

In the wake of this situation, the state of California has responded by introducing Senate Bill 30, which bans the resale, donation, or transfer of diesel locomotives that meet only EPA Tier 0 or Tier 1 emissions standards. This bill, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, is designed to prevent the export of outdated, high-polluting diesel locomotives to developing nations, where they could continue emitting toxic pollutants and greenhouse gases.

Dave Cortese, California state senator and sponsor of the bill, explained, “By stopping the resale and donation of outdated, high-polluting diesel equipment, this new law ensures that these trains are not sent to developing nations where they would continue to emit toxic diesel particulate matter, greenhouse gases, and other pollutants.”

This legislative move highlights the growing concern over the environmental impact of transporting old, inefficient equipment to countries with less stringent environmental regulations, exacerbating pollution issues.

Conclusion: Uncertain Future for Lima’s Commuter Service

The Lima commuter project now faces an uncertain future as the MTC and local authorities struggle to address the numerous challenges posed by the defective rolling stock and the lack of necessary infrastructure. While legal proceedings are underway and the municipality seeks alternative solutions, the project’s timeline and overall success remain unclear. With California’s new law further complicating the situation, Lima must now look for other ways to bring the commuter service to fruition while avoiding further environmental and financial setbacks.

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