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Argentina Receives Seven Bids for ‘Ruta del Mercosur’ Concession After Last-Minute State Financing

An evaluation commission will now vet the submissions, with awards expected within two to three months.

Overview

  • Officials confirmed seven offers were opened on October 8 for 741 kilometers covering National Routes 12, 14, 135, A‑015, 117 and the 174 Rosario–Victoria bridge across Buenos Aires, Entre Ríos, Santa Fe and Corrientes.
  • State lender BICE introduced financing of up to ARS 56,000 million or 70% of the investment at UVA +2%, with a one‑year grace period and up to six years to repay, after private credit proved unavailable.
  • Bidders include Autovía Construcciones y Servicios, Benito Roggio e Hijos, Panedile Argentina, Rovella Carranza, Obring and Coyserv, according to official disclosures.
  • The financing offer was announced roughly 48 hours before bids opened, a shift from prior assurances of no public funding that could trigger objections or legal challenges over altered tender conditions.
  • This tender is the first step in a broader Red Federal de Concesiones plan to transfer 9,154 km to private operators, with adjudication targeted in two to three months and a 12‑month timetable to phase out Corredores Viales S.A.