President Fujimori Outlines Ambitious Transport Projects, Experts Note Omissions
In her first address to the nation, President Keiko Fujimori announced a series of significant transport infrastructure projects for Lima and various regions, including road and rail initiatives. Many of these projects are currently in study phases or are long-term endeavors. Key highlights include the completion of Lima Metro Line 2 and the construction of Lines 3, 4, 5, and 6, alongside the urgent completion of the new Central Highway to alleviate congestion. Fujimori also pledged to advance metro systems in Trujillo, Arequipa, and Piura, and commuter trains connecting Lima with Ica and Barranca. Additionally, new roads such as Oyón–Ambo and Canta–La Viuda–Unish, along with the Longitudinal de la Sierra highway, Libertadores Highway, Autopista del Sol, and Red Vial N.°4, were mentioned.
However, infrastructure expert Alfredo Vásquez pointed out discrepancies between Fujimori's government plan and her national address. Projects like strengthening Chancay port, building airports, and bolstering Provías were absent from her speech, despite being in her plan. Vásquez also suggested extending the Longitudinal de la Sierra highway to Puno, noting the region's isolation. He praised the political viability of advancing Lima's metro lines, which have faced previous governmental hurdles, and the continuity of the Central Highway project. Conversely, he questioned the omission of railway network development and the Bioceanic train.
Former Minister of Transport and Communications Paola Lazarte stated that Fujimori's announcement focused on completing existing, well-developed projects rather than introducing new ones, emphasizing the need for political will and financial resources. Lazarte highlighted urban transport as a priority, particularly for congested cities like Lima, Piura, Trujillo, and Arequipa, through improved rail connectivity. She deemed the completion of Metro Line 2 feasible and suggested constructing other lines together for efficiency. Lazarte also recognized the strategic importance of the mentioned road projects for logistics and productive sectors, connecting Chancay port to the rest of the country. She noted that while the discourse did not cover the future of Lima's urban transport authority (ATU), the Minister of Transport and Communications would likely elaborate on such details, stressing the need for the new administration to focus on conventional public transport and service improvements given the long timelines for railway infrastructure.
President Fujimori's administration has signaled a commitment to significant infrastructure development, particularly in transportation, aiming to address long-standing connectivity and congestion issues. The emphasis on completing existing projects like Metro Line 2 and the Central Highway suggests a pragmatic approach, leveraging prior planning and investment. However, the divergence between the stated government plan and the national address, as noted by experts, raises questions about strategic prioritization and potential policy shifts. The inclusion of new metro lines and commuter rail, alongside extensive road networks, reflects an ambition to modernize Peru's infrastructure. Future success will hinge on securing sustained political will, robust financial backing, and effective inter-agency coordination to navigate the complexities of large-scale project execution and ensure equitable development across regions. The administration's focus on urban mobility and logistics corridors could enhance economic productivity, but a comprehensive strategy for public transport governance and long-term sustainability remains critical.
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