The public transport system in Santiago de Chile is in a period of great expansion and modernization, as a result of the extension of the actual network, in 41 kilometers additional to the existing ones. Metro is the urban train that runs through the city both underground and airways and is now the main mode of public transport in the capital.



The expansion of the Metro network supposes the construction of new lines 3 and 6 that will connect more than 10 municipalities. With an investment of around USD 3,100 million by the construction of line 6 (plus maintenance for 20 years), it is run by the Chilean-French consortium, ETF Colas-Rail, who among other works, will address installation of the rails that will support the new Metro’s route.

ABSIDE has delivered to ETF a Piquersa Sweeper model BA-2500H-AG for the pre-cleaning required when installing the rails. For this task, the sweeper has been equipped with its own interchangeable front shovel, with a specific rubber band, that facilitates collection of sludge caused in the phases of concreting. Then, once removed the large volume of sludge with the shovel, the blade is removed and the sweeping system is installed in only ten minutes, to complete the cleaning of the area.

Furthermore, and in compliance with local safety regulations, the sweeper has been fitted with Ansul Fire Suppression System, especially for tunnels.

Expansion works of the Metro are scheduled to culminate in the year 2017, at this moment it is esteemed that the capital will have 31 new stations and 45 new trains that will benefit the citizens’ quality of life in this wonderful city.