Venezuela operates a limited rail network with significant portions under development or rehabilitation, managed by Instituto de Ferrocarriles del Estado (IFE), focusing on passenger services and urban systems.
Network Overview
| Parameter |
Statistics |
Notes |
| Total Track Length |
447 km |
Active network |
| Operational Lines |
240 km |
Regular service |
| Track Gauge |
1,435 mm |
Standard gauge |
| Electrified Lines |
240 km |
25kV AC |
| Urban Systems |
3 |
Metro systems |
Major Systems
Main Lines
| Route |
Length (km) |
Status |
Type |
Usage |
| Caracas-Tuy Medio |
41.4 |
Active |
Suburban |
Passenger |
| Puerto Cabello-Barquisimeto |
173 |
Limited |
Mixed |
Mixed |
| Yaritagua-Acarigua |
33 |
Limited |
Mixed |
Mixed |
Urban Systems
Technical Parameters
Track Infrastructure
| Parameter |
Main Lines |
Urban |
Suburban |
| Track Gauge |
1,435mm |
1,435mm |
1,435mm |
| Power Supply |
25kV AC |
750V DC |
25kV AC |
| Max Axle Load |
22.5t |
16t |
20t |
| Signaling |
ATP |
ATP/ATO |
ATP |
Rolling Stock
Passenger Fleet
| Type |
Quantity |
Manufacturer |
Usage |
Status |
| EMU Suburban |
22 |
Various |
Suburban |
Active |
| Metro Units |
480 |
Various |
Urban |
Mixed |
| Locomotives |
15 |
Various |
Main line |
Limited |
Freight Fleet
| Type |
Quantity |
Status |
Usage |
| Locomotives |
12 |
Limited |
Mixed traffic |
| Freight Wagons |
180 |
Mixed |
Various cargo |
Operations
Passenger Services
| Service Type |
Daily Services |
Annual Passengers |
Punctuality |
| Suburban |
60 |
8M |
85% |
| Metro Caracas |
800+ |
400M |
90% |
| Regional |
Limited |
500K |
Variable |
Freight Traffic
| Commodity |
Annual Volume (K tonnes) |
Share |
Trend |
| Industrial |
250 |
45% |
Limited |
| Agricultural |
150 |
27% |
Seasonal |
| General Cargo |
155 |
28% |
Variable |
Infrastructure Development
Current Projects (2025-2026)
| Project |
Budget (USD M) |
Status |
Completion |
| Metro Maintenance |
120 |
Ongoing |
2026 |
| Track Rehabilitation |
85 |
Active |
2026 |
| Signaling Upgrade |
45 |
Planning |
2026 |
Future Plans (2026-2030)
| Project |
Estimated Cost (USD M) |
Status |
Notes |
| Network Extension |
450 |
Planning |
Regional links |
| Metro Expansion |
350 |
Proposed |
Urban systems |
| Rolling Stock |
280 |
Concept |
Fleet renewal |
Environmental Initiatives
Sustainability Goals
| Initiative |
Target |
Timeline |
Status |
| Energy Efficiency |
+20% |
2028 |
Planning |
| Emissions |
-15% |
2030 |
Initial |
| Electric Traction |
Expansion |
2027 |
Concept |
Economic Impact
Employment
| Sector |
Direct Jobs |
Indirect Jobs |
| Operations |
5,000 |
15,000 |
| Maintenance |
2,500 |
7,500 |
| Administration |
1,500 |
4,500 |
Challenges & Solutions
Key Issues
| Challenge |
Impact |
Solution Strategy |
| Infrastructure Age |
High |
Phased renewal |
| Funding |
Critical |
International partnerships |
| Technical Capacity |
High |
Training programs |
| Maintenance |
High |
Systematic approach |
International Support
Development Partners
| Partner |
Focus Area |
Support Type |
| China |
Infrastructure |
Technical/Financial |
| Russia |
Technical Support |
Equipment/Training |
| CAF |
Development |
Loans |
| ALBA |
Regional Integration |
Cooperation |
