Rosario Sur Railway Station
Located in the southern district of Rosario, Santa Fe, the Rosario Sur railway station serves as a vital inter-city link within Argentina's transport network. Officially named the Juan Carlos Groenewold station in honor of a former railway manager, this facility is a key stop on the Mitre Railway line, connecting the city of Rosario with the capital, Buenos Aires.
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Key Facts
- Official Name: Juan Carlos Groenewold.
- Location: Intersection of San Martín and Battle y Ordóñez Avenues, Rosario, Argentina.
- Line: Mitre Railway.
- Operator: Trenes Argentinos (Operadora Ferroviaria Sociedad del Estado).
- Reopening Date: April 1, 2015.
- Investment: $80 million funded by National and Provincial Governments.
History and Evolution
The station was first inaugurated in December 1981 by Alberto Natale, the de facto Intendent of Rosario. For over a decade, it was operated by the state-owned company Ferrocarriles Argentinos. However, the landscape of Argentine rail changed in the early 1990s during the presidency of Carlos Menem, when the railway network underwent privatization. This process led to the dissolution of Ferrocarriles Argentinos, leaving the station—then known as "Apeadero Sur"—to fall into disuse.
The station's revival began in February 2014, when it was selected to serve as the terminus for a new passenger service departing from Retiro. To prepare for this, the facility underwent a massive reconstruction. The project involved replacing the original 60-meter platforms with significantly longer versions to accommodate modern train lengths, and relocating homeless families who had taken residence in the abandoned station.
Modernization and Reopening
On April 1, 2015, passenger services were officially reestablished. The service utilized brand-new trains acquired from the China CNR Corporation, offering express trips with a journey time of approximately 6.5 hours. While services began in April, the final touches on the building continued shortly thereafter.
The $80 million renovation transformed the site into a modern transit hub. The new infrastructure includes a waiting room capable of holding 500 people, ticket sales and information offices, accessible toilets, coffee houses, and improved mobility via escalators and elevators. The platforms were eventually extended to a total length of 300 meters (980 ft).
Station Specifications
The following table summarizes the operational and technical details of the Rosario Sur station.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| System | Inter-city |
| Ownership | Government of Argentina |
| Platform Length | 300 meters |
| Waiting Capacity | 500 people |
| Primary Route | Rosario to Retiro (Buenos Aires) |
Operator Timeline
- 1981–1993: Ferrocarriles Argentinos
- 2015–Present: Trenes Argentinos
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official name of the Rosario Sur station?
The station is officially named Juan Carlos Groenewold to honor a railway manager.
Where is the station located?
It is located near the intersection of San Martín and Battle y Ordóñez Avenues in the south of Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina.
How long does the express trip to Buenos Aires take?
The express service from Rosario Sur to Retiro has a journey time of approximately 6.5 hours.
Who operates the station currently?
The station is currently operated by Trenes Argentinos (Operadora Ferroviaria Sociedad del Estado).
What improvements were made during the 2015 refurbishment?
Improvements included the construction of a new building with a 500-person waiting room, the installation of elevators and escalators, and the extension of platforms to 300 meters.