Cuba rolls out modern Chinese train as overhaul of ageing rail system begins
- Cuba revamps its decrepit railway system with help from allies Russia and China
The first train using new equipment from China pulled out of Havana Saturday, hauling excited passengers on the start of a 915km (516-mile) journey to the eastern end of the island as the government tries to overhaul the country’s ageing and decrepit rail system.
The 14 gleaming Chinese cars and a locomotive departed the city’s central railway station, passing through nine cities before ending in Guantanamo 15 hours later.
It has four air-conditioned wagons and a rolling restaurant car. Previously the trip could take days because of equipment breakdowns and track erosion.
It marks a first step of an overhaul Cuba’s communist government started early last year, repairing some 4,200km of ageing tracks and dozens of tumble-down stations scattered around the island.
“It’s a blessing from God because we had to take this trip and private cars are very expensive, but we got a very good low fare and we are proud to be taking this train,” said 69-year-old passenger Virginia Pardo.
