| Revision as of 22:35, 21 October 2011 edit93.23.2.39 (talk)No edit summary← Previous edit | Revision as of 04:46, 4 January 2012 edit undoNarayansg (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users9,161 editsmNo edit summaryNext edit → | ||
| Line 22: | Line 22: | ||
| The '''Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico''' (Chihuahua-Pacific Railway), also known as '''El Chepe''' from its ] '''CHP''', or '''Ferrocarril Chihuahua-Pacífico''' is a major rail line in northwest ], linking the city of ], ], to the city of ], ] and its port ]. It runs {{convert|673|km|mi|abbr=on}}, traversing the ], a beautiful and rugged series of canyons that have led some to call this the most scenic railroad trip on the continent. It is both an important transportation system for locals and a draw for tourists. | The '''Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico''' (Chihuahua-Pacific Railway), also known as '''El Chepe''' from its ] '''CHP''', or '''Ferrocarril Chihuahua-Pacífico''' is a major rail line in northwest ], linking the city of ], ], to the city of ], ] and its port ]. It runs {{convert|673|km|mi|abbr=on}}, traversing the ], a beautiful and rugged series of canyons that have led some to call this the most scenic railroad trip on the continent. It is both an important transportation system for locals and a draw for tourists. | ||
| The tracks pass over 37 ]s and through 86 ]s, rising as high as {{convert|2400|m|ft|abbr=on}} above sea level near ] (the ]), a popular lookout spot over the canyons.<ref name=Chepe></ref> Each one-way trip takes roughly 16 hours. The track also ] to gain elevation. | The tracks pass over 37 ]s and through 86 ]s, rising as high as {{convert|2400|m|ft|abbr=on}} above sea level near ] (the ]), a popular lookout spot over the canyons.<ref name=Chepe></ref> Each one-way trip takes roughly 16 hours. The track also ] to gain elevation. | ||
| ==History== | ==History== | ||
Revision as of 04:46, 4 January 2012
 El Chepe half way between Anáhuac and Creel; 16 May 2006 | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | ? |
| Locale | northwestern Mexico |
| Dates of operation | 1928 (Completed in 1961)– |
| Predecessor | Kansas City, Mexico and Orient Railway |
| Successor | Ferromex (1998–present) |
| Technical | |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) |
| Other | |
| Website | Chepe |
The Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico (Chihuahua-Pacific Railway), also known as El Chepe from its reporting mark CHP, or Ferrocarril Chihuahua-Pacífico is a major rail line in northwest Mexico, linking the city of Chihuahua, Chihuahua, to the city of Los Mochis, Sinaloa and its port Topolobampo. It runs 673 km (418 mi), traversing the Copper Canyon, a beautiful and rugged series of canyons that have led some to call this the most scenic railroad trip on the continent. It is both an important transportation system for locals and a draw for tourists.
The tracks pass over 37 bridges and through 86 tunnels, rising as high as 2,400 m (7,900 ft) above sea level near Divisadero (the continental divide), a popular lookout spot over the canyons. Each one-way trip takes roughly 16 hours. The track also crosses over itself to gain elevation.
History
The concept of the railroad was officially recognized in 1880, when the president of Mexico, General Manuel González, granted a rail concession to Albert Kinsey Owen of the Utopia Socialist Colony of New Harmony, Indiana, USA, who was seeking to develop a socialist colony. The railroad was actually built by Arthur Stilwell as the Kansas City, Mexico and Orient Railway, starting about 1900. Financial difficulties due to the cost of building a railroad through rugged terrain delayed the project, and the ChP was not completed until 1961.
The private rail franchise Ferromex took over the railroad from the Mexican government in 1998.
Schedule
In general, two passenger trains run daily: one a slightly slower service with more stops for locals—15 official stops and more than 50 flag stops where boardings or disembarkations can be made at passenger request—and the other a direct service for tourists that is faster and more expensive.
There is also regular cargo service running between Topolobampo and Chihuahua which might be further increased and extended so as to connect with the Texas Pacifico Transportation Railroad at the Ojinaga Presidio Crossing into the United States as a part of the La Entrada al Pacifico.
On its way from Los Mochis to Chihuahua it runs through El Fuerte, Temoris, Bahuichivo, Posada Barrancas, Divisadero, and Creel, among others.
See also
References
External links
- El Chepe: Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico Template:Es icon
- MEXLIST Mexican railroad discussion and study group