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The National Government is preparing to put out to tender the concession of the main Mercosur route and privatize more than 9,000 kilometers of roads and highways. The imminent publication of a decree is expected that will start the bidding process for this route, considered strategic for regional trade but whose current state generates complaints from companies. The initial tender will focus on two sections of Corridor 18, which mainly covers National Routes 12 and 14 and the Rosario-Victoria Bridge. This corridor, approximately 675 kilometers long, crosses the provinces of Buenos Aires, Entre Ríos, Santa Fe and Corrientes, facilitating trade with Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. The current concessionaire of this corridor has expressed complaints about an alleged tariff delay. This measure represents the first step towards the privatisation of concessions for more than 9,000 kilometres of the national road network, which in many cases have not been awarded or are under the management of the state-owned company Corredores Viales. Although these kilometres represent only 20% of the national road network, they concentrate 80% of the traffic, which makes them a potentially attractive business for construction companies interested in exploiting tolls. The main objective of this privatization is to generate savings for the State, estimated at USD 6.1 billion over the next 15 to 20 years. The aim is to have private investment take charge of the maintenance and improvement of these roads, alleviating the financial burden on the State. In short, the government will put out to tender the concession of the “Mercosur Route” (Corredor 18, National Routes 12 and 14 and the Rosario-Victoria Bridge) and will privatize another 9,000 kilometers of roads and highways currently in the hands of Corredores Viales. The aim is to improve road infrastructure, generate savings for the State and attract private investment through the collection of tolls. The news does not mention specific companies that have submitted bids, but rather focuses on the bidding and privatization process. |
