Amidst one of Cuba's most severe transportation crises, the government has pledged to reinstate the train service linking the Luyanó Terminal to the Expocuba fairgrounds, a route that has been out of operation for years due to infrastructure decay and lack of maintenance.
The Minister of Transportation, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, revealed on Wednesday via Facebook that specialized teams have been diligently working for months on refurbishing the railway tracks. Simultaneously, technical adjustments are being made to the train cars at the Ciénaga workshops to ready them for the journey.
As part of this initiative, on Saturday, March 15, First Deputy Minister Luis Roberto Rosés, accompanied by directors from Ferrocarriles de Cuba, conducted inspections of the Guanajay Line, Rincón Line, and the Expocuba Branch, paying particular attention to critical points like the La Víbora level crossing and the Calabazar junction.
Infrastructure Overhaul and Community Efforts
The tasks include clearing the tracks, installing new rails and sleepers, and repairing the signaling systems, which have been neglected for years. Rodríguez Dávila emphasized that besides reactivating this rail service, efforts are also focused on improving cleanliness around the tracks, where significant amounts of trash have accumulated.
He acknowledged the necessity for a collaborative effort among authorities, Ferrocarriles de Cuba, and the public to prevent further degradation of the area.
Reviving Havana's Cultural and Recreational Spaces
The revival of the train service to Expocuba would enhance access to vital cultural and recreational venues such as Expocuba, the National Botanical Garden, and Lenin Park, the latter of which is nearly abandoned. This comes at a time when public transportation in the capital is deeply troubled, with overcrowded buses and fuel shortages creating a mobility crisis for residents.
The Ministry of Transportation has committed to providing ongoing updates on the progress of these efforts, though no specific timeline has been provided for when the service will resume.
Challenges and Strategic Goals
In recent years, the regime has clearly shown its intent to revitalize neglected recreational and cultural sites. The situation at Expocuba exemplifies this strategy. In 2022, the government announced a recovery plan for the venue, acknowledging the need to find ways to draw Cuban families back to the area.
However, a year later, the site remains in a state of disrepair: destruction, filth, and deterioration pervade the facility, highlighting the lack of progress on the announced plans. More recently, in January, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero reiterated the need to rejuvenate Lenin Park, another iconic Havana site that has suffered from neglect.
In this context, the recent decision to restore the train service to Expocuba, focusing on enhancing the tracks, signaling, and trains, aligns with a broader policy to reclaim forgotten locales. Yet, the question remains whether these initiatives will be effectively realized or remain, as in the past, unfulfilled promises.
Key Questions on Cuba's Transportation Crisis
What caused the train service to Expocuba to stop operating?
The train service was halted due to infrastructure deterioration and lack of maintenance.
What improvements are being made to restore the train service?
Improvements include track clearing, new rail and sleeper installations, and repairing signaling systems.
How does the restoration of the train service benefit Havana?
Restoring the train service facilitates access to cultural and recreational areas, offering a vital transportation alternative amidst the current public transit crisis.