Tecnicagua expects bidding to start in September or October 2003 for a 25-year concession to rehabilitate and operate the 232 km Transandina freight railroad linking Mendoza in Argentina with Los Andes in central Chile. The project is estimated to require about US$220 million. Tecnicagua is currently conducting technical studies for the project. Seven kilometres of artificial tunnels will be built in avalanche prone zones. 37/02.