The National Railway Secretariat of Panama has begun accepting job applications for the massive Panama-David-Border railway project. The government agency announced the open call for technical, administrative, and engineering professionals this week as the landmark infrastructure initiative moves forward.
This recruitment drive represents a concrete step in developing a modern rail line intended to span approximately 475 kilometers across the country. The project aims to connect Panama City to the border with Costa Rica at Paso Canoas, featuring up to 14 passenger stations.
Seeking Talent for a National Transformation
Prospective candidates can submit their updated resumes to the official email address empleo.ferrocarril@presidencia.gob.pa. The Secretariat publicized the opportunity on its Instagram account, @ferrocarrilpma, though specific vacancy numbers and detailed job descriptions have not yet been released.
The planned railway system will operate with dual functionalities. A passenger train is designed to reach speeds of 180 kilometers per hour, while a freight train will have a maximum speed of 100 kilometers per hour. This dual approach seeks to revolutionize both public transit and commercial logistics in Panama.
“We are inviting professionals to be part of this national railway project that will connect the capital with the border,” the National Railway Secretariat stated in its announcement. [Translated from Spanish]
This call for workers follows several key administrative actions taken by the Government of Panama. The project’s initial phase will focus on constructing 200 kilometers of track from Albrook to Divisa.
Strategic Planning and Community Engagement Underway
In a significant move this past January, the Cabinet Council approved Resolution No. 145-25. This resolution authorized an exceptional procedure to contract the U.S. firm AECOM USA, Inc. for technical and strategic advisory services.
The contract, valued at $4.17 million, covers engineering work for the Albrook-Sajalices segment and consolidates studies for a final feasibility document. This partnership underscores the project’s scale and technical complexity.
Parallel to recruitment, the Secretariat launched a socioeconomic census in communities along the proposed route on February 18. Officials are gathering data from areas within the railway’s zone of influence, a critical step for planning and community integration.
Key passenger stations are planned for Albrook, La Chorrera, Penonomé, Divisa, Santiago, David, and Paso Canoas. Three dedicated freight stations in Albrook, Bugaba, and El Roble will aim to strengthen the country’s cargo transport network. This modern system would build upon the historical legacy of the original Panama Railway, which first connected the oceans in the 19th century.
The project’s advancement aligns with broader infrastru cture developments under the current administration, including other significant national efforts likethe Panama train initiative. Officials view the railway as a catalyst for regional development, promising to enhance connectivity for both people and goods across western Panama.