For millions of people, traveling by road in Colombia is an experience that combines breathtaking landscapes with long journeys and accumulated fatigue. A clear example is the trip from Pereira to Cali: 209 kilometers that take more than three hours by road , despite being a relatively short distance. The question that inevitably arises is: why don’t we have a high-speed train in Colombia connecting key cities like Cali, Pereira, Medellín, or Bogotá?
While rail transport is an established reality in Europe, Asia, and even Latin American countries like Argentina and Brazil, in Colombia we continue to rely on congested and inefficient roads. This gap not only affects travel time, but also the economy, tourism, and the quality of life of millions of citizens.
What would a Cali-Pereira train mean for Colombia?
A high-speed train between Cali and Pereira would not be a simple means of transportation, but a strategic project with impact on multiple fronts. We’re talking about connecting two key cities: Cali, the capital of Valle del Cauca and an industrial center near the port of Buenaventura , and Pereira, the capital of Risaralda and the heart of the Coffee Region , a region renowned worldwide for its coffee and eco-tourism.
Currently, the trip between the two cities by road takes more than three hours. With a high-speed train, that same journey could be reduced to an hour and a half or even less , allowing a traveler to have breakfast in Pereira, lunch in Cali, and return to dinner with their family on the same day, without the hassle of driving or enduring traffic jams.
Main benefits of a high-speed train between Cali and Pereira
- Significant time savings:
Going from more than three hours on the road to less than two hours by train would mean greater productivity for workers, students, and entrepreneurs. The time saved could be used for work or family activities. - Boosting the regional economy
The construction would generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, and once operational, would facilitate trade between the two regions, boosting both Cali’s industry and coffee production in the region. - Promoting tourism
With a fast connection, national and international tourists could combine experiences in a single day: from the gastronomy and culture of Cali to the coffee-growing landscapes of Risaralda and Quindío. - Reducing environmental impact:
Electric trains are more sustainable than buses or private vehicles. A single train can replace dozens of buses every day, reducing emissions and easing road congestion. - Greater travel safety.
Road accidents are a constant problem in Colombia. A modern rail system would significantly reduce this risk, offering more reliable transportation.
What steps would be necessary to make this a reality?
- Long-term political will.
A project of this type requires continuity over time. It cannot depend solely on one government, but must become a state policy with structured 10- or 20-year plans. - International strategic alliances.
Countries like China, world leaders in high-speed trains, could contribute technology and expertise to overcome Colombia’s geographical challenges, such as mountains and valleys. - Citizen and regional participation
Communities must be an active part of the debate and support the project, understanding that it is not a luxury, but a necessity for mobility and development. - Economic and Environmental Impact Study
Although the initial investment is high, the benefits outweigh the costs: fewer accidents, less pollution, a boost to tourism, and a boost to local economies. - Designing a National Network for the Future
The Cali–Pereira train could be the first step toward a network connecting Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and the Coffee Region. An integration that seems distant today, but one that countries like South Korea and China have already achieved in just a few decades.
International examples that inspire
- Spain : The high-speed train connects Madrid with Valencia (350 km) in just 1 hour and 50 minutes.
- France : The TGV connects Paris and Lyon (460 km) in 2 hours, covering more than double the distance between Cali and Pereira.
- Japan and China , pioneers in bullet trains, have demonstrated that high-speed rail systems can be implemented even in complex geographies.
- South Korea : In just a few decades, it went from being poorer than Colombia to having a train that connects Seoul with Busan (325 km) in 2.5 hours, when previously the trip took more than 5 hours.
These cases show that what seems like a dream in Colombia is, in reality, normal in much of the world .
Key recommendations for moving forward
- Promote cooperation with China in railway technology transfer.
- Prioritize strategic corridors : Cali–Pereira as a starting point, then connect Pereira–Medellín and Cali–Bogotá.
- Raising public awareness : Pressure from civil society can push governments to take concrete steps.
- Think about comprehensive development : hotels, restaurants, universities, and businesses will flourish around train stations, benefiting intermediate municipalities.
Traveling by train between Cali and Pereira should no longer be a distant dream. It’s a project that can redefine mobility, the economy, and tourism in Colombia. Every day that passes without this type of infrastructure means more hours lost on the road, more accidents, and more missed opportunities.
The question isn’t whether Colombia can do it, but when it will decide to take the plunge. The time is now : with available technology, inspiring international examples, and the clear need for more efficient mobility, the country faces a historic opportunity.
The high-speed train between Cali and Pereira is not just a transportation project: it’s a national project, a path toward a more connected, productive, and sustainable future.
