Caracas Residents Share Impact of Rail, Road and Water Projects

The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean granted US$290 million to Venezuela for four major projects, including US$200 million for Stages I and II of the Caracas-Tuy Medio Rail Project.

Daily Effects on Local Travel and Access

Community members in Caracas neighbourhoods report ongoing disruptions from incomplete road and rail links that connect residential zones to employment centres and services. The 32.5 km Autopista Circunvalación Sur with its 12 tunnels, the Cabletrén Bolivariano de Petare and Metrocable expansions remain unfinished, leaving many commuters to rely on alternative routes that add time to daily journeys.

Progress on the Boyacá Project and Territorial Action Plan

The Boyacá Project, a $1.5 billion initiative to build 10.3 km of new roads including the Baralt Tunnel, remains less than 50 percent completed despite $165.5 million committed. Over 200,000 people in Caracas benefited in 2024 from the fourth cycle of the Territorial Action Plan, which includes 60-plus projects such as road repairs, waterproofing and drinking water improvements.

Water Quality Upgrades and Community Benefits

The Venezuelan government has upgraded three key water treatment plants in Caracas-La Mariposa, Caujarito and La Guairita-with resources from the Inter-American Development Bank and CAF to improve water quality. Residents note that these targeted improvements address long-standing supply concerns in affected districts while larger transport projects continue at varying stages of completion.

Local accounts describe how partial advances in water infrastructure have eased some household burdens even as rail and road gaps persist. Further steps depend on continued allocation of existing grants and completion of current project cycles.