ARGENTINA: By means of Resolution 514/2008 published on July 25, the federal government has set out a revised bidding timetable for its project to create a 'high performance' passenger route between Buenos Aires and Mendoza (RG 10.07 p595). 

Technical bids are now due to be opened on September 30, followed on November 13 by financial offers for a project that the government expects to cost 8·33bn pesos.

The main works to create a route suitable for operation at up to 160 km/h between the two cities are expected to begin in March or April next year, for completion within 48 months.

Expressions of interest in the contract were received last year from four consortia, including a grouping of CAF, Roggio, Cartellone, Comsa and Siemens. Corporación América is bidding with Helport, Cometrans and Lesko. A third consortium comprises Emepa, Ferrovías, Ferromel, Herso and Obebrecht, while the final bidder is Alstom, Isolux Corsán and Iecsa, who with Emepa form the Veloxia consortium awarded the turnkey contract to build the Buenos Aires - Rosario - Córdoba high speed line.