Argentina Opens Bids for 3,900km of Toll Roads, Focusing on Maintenance and Landscaping

Argentina's government has initiated the third stage of its road concession program, opening bids for the management of 3,900 kilometers of national toll roads. This 30-year concession focuses heavily on "bacheo y jardinería", patching potholes and maintaining roadside vegetation, attracting significant interest from major construction companies. The plan is part of a larger initiative to grant concessions for 9,000 kilometers of national routes.

Critics point out the limited scope for infrastructure expansion within this program. Of the 9,000 kilometers being concessioned, 3,000 are already highways. Of the remaining 6,000 kilometers, only 300 are designated for significant infrastructure development. This has led to concerns that the concessions primarily represent a "pothole and gardening business" rather than substantial upgrades.

The government, however, frames the initiative as a paradigm shift towards greater private investment and efficiency. Minister of Economy Luis Caputo announced the opening of economic offers for this stage via social media, emphasizing "more private investment, more efficiency, and better roads for Argentines." The electronic toll system, free flow, will charge approximately $3 plus VAT per 100 kilometers, and the number of toll stations is expected to increase significantly.

This third phase covers eight sections across 11 provinces, including Córdoba, Santa Fe, and Mendoza. While the government touts private investment, reports indicate that initial funding for some corridors has come from a public entity, the Banco de Inversión y Comercio Exterior (BICE). The companies bidding are largely the same ones that participated in previous stages of the road concession program.