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Ancient Train Returns to Cuban Rails After Seven-Year Hiatus

Wednesday, July 9, 2025 by Albert Rivera

An old and worn-out train resumed service this Monday in the province of Ciego de Ávila after being inactive for seven years. This route spans Morón-Perea-Venegas, making stops in Chambas and Florencia, areas notoriously difficult to access nestled in the hills of the Plan Turquino Bamburanao.

Despite the facade of a railway revival, the service's return was made possible merely through the partial repair of three passenger cars and an antiquated locomotive, as reported by Invasor. None of the carriages have undergone visible renovation or refurbishments; instead, they have been patched up just enough to operate, starkly highlighting the severe decay of the island's public transportation system.

Symbol of "Progress" Amidst Decay

In a context marked by severe scarcity, the mere operation of a decrepit train is touted as a sign of "progress" by the state-controlled press. The Cuban regime seeks to politically leverage this reactivation as a part of the celebrations for the 72nd anniversary of the assault on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes barracks, and the decision to award Ciego de Ávila the national venue for July 26th festivities.

"The train is a source of joy for the residents," official media proclaim, ignoring the fact that access to dignified public transport should not be a cause for celebration but a right guaranteed by the state. This narrative starkly contrasts with the daily reality faced by millions of Cubans, for whom traveling within the country is an ordeal due to the lack of options, fuel shortages, and the dilapidated state of the railway, bus, and other vehicle infrastructures.

Cosmetic Solutions to Deep-Rooted Issues

Besides the Morón-Perea-Venegas train, authorities have mentioned the reactivation of other routes such as Morón-Esmeralda and the Morón-Ciego de Ávila route, which operates on Mondays and Fridays, extending to Camagüey. However, the conditions of these services are far from satisfactory.

Launching this old train does not signify genuine progress or a sustainable transportation policy but rather a superficial maneuver attempting to mask the chronic underinvestment and neglect of a once-proud national railway system. Instead of modernizing the rail network or investing in new cars, the government resorts to dressing up the past and selling it as a promise for the future.

Understanding the Issues with Cuban Public Transportation

Why was the train inactive for seven years?

The train was inactive due to severe deterioration and lack of resources for proper maintenance and repair, reflecting the broader issues within Cuba's public transportation infrastructure.

What areas does the reactivated train service cover?

The reactivated service covers the Morón-Perea-Venegas route with stops in Chambas and Florencia, areas that face challenges in accessibility.

What is the government's stance on the train's reactivation?

The Cuban government portrays the train's reactivation as a symbol of progress and part of national celebrations, despite the underlying issues of infrastructure neglect.

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