Panama-David-Frontera train: Government presents route and projects a logistical revolution in the country

The national secretary of the Railway, Henry Faarup, announced that the route of the Panama-David-Frontera Train has already been defined, including the stations, as part of one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the country. The design includes a 3-hour journey, with trains that will reach speeds of up to 180 kilometers per hour for passengers and 100 km/h for cargo.

Faarup stressed that this project not only represents a new means of transport, but a comprehensive transformation in connectivity, logistics, tourism and economic development at the national level. “The vision of the railway is not just transport. We are going to change the economic and social dynamics of the country, with a view to integrating ourselves in the future with Costa Rica and Central America,” he said.

According to the official, the stations have been planned as new development poles, which will allow decentralization of the economy, currently concentrated in 80% in the canal area. “This train will generate wealth, as has happened in other countries. Panama needs a land hub that complements the maritime and air hub, and that is what we are starting to build,” he added.

The President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino, officially announced the route of the Panama-David railway project, one of the emblematic works of his administration. The design contemplates 475 kilometers of railway, with 14 stations from Panama Pacific to the border with Costa Rica, in Paso Canoas.

“The train symbolizes that Panama’s progress does not stop. It represents the driving force of a working people that promotes national development. This work will employ more than 50,000 Panamanians and will be part of the legacy I want to leave to the country,” said the president.

Defined stations of the Panama-David-Frontera train:

• City of Health
• Albrook
• Pacific Panama
• The Chorrera
• Flame/Crowned
• Hato River
• Penonomé
• Currency
• Santiago
• Sound
• Saint Felix
• David
• Bugaba
• Paso Canoas – Border

he entire route between Panama City and David will take three hours or less, thanks to passenger trains that can reach a speed of up to 180 km/h. For cargo transport, an operating speed of 100 km/h has been contemplated.

First phase: Pacific Panama – Currency

Construction will begin with the section between Panama Pacific and Divisa. It is estimated that earthmoving work will begin in 2026, once the technical and institutional studies in progress have been completed.

The national secretary of the Railway, Henry Faarup, explained that the location of the stations responds to criteria of intermodal connectivity, logistical and commercial potential, population density, urban growth, as well as agro-industrial, tourist and service dynamism.

“The project not only transforms our mobility, but establishes a platform for investment, growth and connection for the whole country and the region. Each station has been designed to efficiently connect trains, buses, air and sea transport,” Faarup explained.

During the event, visuals of the route prepared by the firm AECOM were presented, along with audiovisual material from Mallol Arquitectos. International references such as the railway system of the Port of Hamburg (Germany) and the South Korean model were highlighted, as examples of intermodal efficiency and economic development linked to the railway.

National impact and regional integration

The Government stressed that this project seeks to decentralize development, avoid its concentration in urban areas, and promote a cleaner, more efficient transport system prepared for the future demands of regional trade.

The event was attended by ministers of state, members of the diplomatic corps, business unions and leaders of the logistics sector. The role of the railway as an axis of territorial integration and engine of sustainable economic growth was highlighted.