Venezuela is actively seeking to enhance its multimodal transport system. However, this drive is hindered by the alarming state of its infrastructure, which is marked by lack of investment, insufficient maintenance, and the effects of corruption. The Venezuelan government has attributed these issues to the sanctions imposed by the United States, although these were reduced in October of last year, with a validity of six months until April. The temporary suspension of these sanctions is expected to contribute to improving the country's revenues, especially those coming from the sale of oil, which constitutes its main source of foreign exchange.
Transport Infrastructure in Venezuela.
Venezuela's transport infrastructure faces a situation of considerable deterioration, according to Eduardo Páez-Pumar, a member of the National Academy of Engineering and Habitat. The Venezuelan Chamber of Construction (CVC) estimates that at least $10 billion is required for rehabilitation and maintenance, with a two to three-year investment plan covering projects in roads, bridges, airports, ports, and improvements in land transport, including the metro system in Caracas.
Furthermore, the energy crisis in Venezuela, characterized by frequent and prolonged power cuts lasting hours or even days, exerts an additional negative impact on transportation. In this context, Celia Herrera, president of the Society of Transport and Road Engineering (SOTRAVIAL), has highlighted the need to address the regularization of electricity supply, which would require considerable investments.
Prospects for the Development of Intermodal Transport in Venezuela.
Eladio Jiménez, Deputy Minister of Planning and Integral Transport Development, announced in 2023 the beginning of joint efforts between authorities and businessmen to boost the multimodal system in Venezuela, focusing on the modernization of maritime and air transport.
In the maritime sphere, the Ministry of Transport highlighted a record increase in operations at the country's three main ports, including La Guaira near Caracas. There was a 70% increase in the fleet of tugboats and piloting of the National Institute of Aquatic Spaces (INEA), with the construction of 15 ships. National Docks and Shipyards (DIANCA) completed the construction of the most technologically advanced ship in surveillance, security, and defense on the central coast, while the Venezuelan Navigation Corporation (VENAVEGA) recovered three multipurpose ships.
Regarding air transport, Venezuela made progress in 2023 in revitalizing its airport infrastructure, carrying out remodeling and modernization works at the 'Simón Bolívar' International Airport in Maiquetía. The National Institute of Civil Aeronautics (INAC) focused on the recovery of equipment and facilities at various airports. Additionally, the Minister of Transport, Ramón Velásquez, announced that the Government is considering plans for the declaration of green airports.
Challenges for the Development of Intermodal Transport in Venezuela.
According to Eduardo Páez-Pumar, the feasibility of developing a multimodal transport system in Venezuela is feasible, as in any other part of the world. However, the country's precarious infrastructure and the limited financial capacity of the State to address the necessary investments hinder this project. The need for private sector participation is evident; however, legal guarantees for investment under concessions in public-private partnerships are not available in the country, nor are options for credit from multilateral banks.
Given this situation, the president of SOTRAVIAL suggests the implementation of new investment schemes involving mixed sources of public and private capital to carry out the necessary investments.
In summary, a well-developed multimodal system could improve the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of transportation in Venezuela. However, it faces significant challenges due to precarious infrastructure, lack of investment, and the energy crisis. The proposal of investment schemes under concessions in public-private partnerships emerges as a possible solution. Overcoming these challenges will require effective coordination between the government and the private sector to address the energy crisis and make comprehensive improvements to the country's transport infrastructure.
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