Nuevo Central Argentino (NCA): Powering Argentina's Rail Freight
Nuevo Central Argentino S.A. (NCA) is a pivotal player in the Argentine logistics sector, specializing in the transport of rail freight. Operating as a private entity, NCA manages a significant portion of the national railway infrastructure, specifically the former Mitre Railway division. By bridging the gap between production centers and transport hubs, NCA ensures the movement of millions of tonnes of cargo across the heart of Argentina.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1992 as part of the privatization of Ferrocarriles Argentinos.
- Ownership: Owned by Aceitera General Deheza S.A.
- Headquarters: Rosario, Santa Fe.
- Network: Approximately 5,000 km of Indian gauge (1,676 mm) track.
- Operational Reach: Serves the center and northwest regions of Argentina.
- 2014 Performance: Carried 7,408,914 tonnes of freight with a net income of 873,000.
Operational Infrastructure and Reach
NCA operates an extensive network of cargo railroad lines spanning the provinces of Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, Córdoba, Santiago del Estero, and Tucumán. The company utilizes Indian gauge tracks, which measure 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm), a standard width that allows for heavy-duty freight transport.
The company's strategic heart is located in Rosario, where its headquarters are based. To maintain efficiency, NCA utilizes warehouses in Rosario, Villa Gobernador Gálvez, and Villa María. Furthermore, the company maintains operational centers in Córdoba City and Colombres, alongside transfer centers in Retiro (Buenos Aires) and the city of Tucumán to facilitate the movement of goods between rail and truck.
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The History of Privatization
The origins of NCA are rooted in the economic crisis of the state-owned Ferrocarriles Argentinos during the early 1990s. To address the critical financial situation, the Argentine government implemented a series of reforms under the presidency of Carlos Menem.
The Transition from State Control
In 1991, National Decree N° 520/91 created FEMESA to handle urban passenger services in Buenos Aires, while Ferrocarriles Argentinos continued to manage interurban passenger and freight services. However, by March 10, 1993, a new decree ceased all interurban passenger activities unless provincial governments agreed to take over the services.
The Birth of NCA
The government opened a tender process for freight services, requiring consortiums to pay a fee to the state. On December 23, 1992, a concession was granted to Nuevo Central Argentino, a consortium originally formed by Aceitera General Deheza, Banco Francés del Río de la Plata, Asociación de Cooperativas Argentinas, and Román Marítima.
At the start of the concession, the challenge was immense. Only 45% of the system was operational due to severe track deterioration and a lack of ballast (the gravel bed that supports railway sleepers). NCA inherited 63 diesel locomotives—of which only 23 were active—and 5,354 wagons, with only 60% deemed fit for service.
Company Overview Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport (Freight) |
| Owner | Aceitera General Deheza |
| Employees (2013) | 1,360 |
| Freight Volume (2014) | 7,408,914 tonnes |
| Track Gauge | 1,676 mm (Indian gauge) |
| Primary Provinces | Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, Córdoba, Santiago del Estero, Tucumán |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nuevo Central Argentino (NCA)?
NCA is an Argentine company that operates the freight rail infrastructure of the former Mitre Railway division under a government concession granted in 1992.
Who owns NCA?
The company is owned by Aceitera General Deheza S.A.
What regions of Argentina does NCA serve?
NCA serves the center and northwest of Argentina, specifically operating in the provinces of Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, Córdoba, Santiago del Estero, and Tucumán.
What was the condition of the railway when NCA took over?
The infrastructure was in poor condition; only 45% of the lines were operational, and only 23 of the 63 inherited diesel locomotives were active at the time of the concession.
What type of rail gauge does NCA use?
NCA uses the Indian gauge, which has a width of 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm).