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Buenos Aires and National Government Clash Over Highway Concessions

Alleged last‑minute rule changes could sideline the provincial operator, testing the push to hand key routes to private firms.

Overview

  • Argentina’s plan to concession more than 2,500 km of national roads has moved into bid evaluation, and Buenos Aires has asked national and provincial ombudsmen to oversee the process for transparency.
  • Provincial officials say new circulars issued days before deadlines added demands such as a 2025 balance sheet and sworn records of completed works, which they argue could disqualify state-run Aubasa.
  • Aubasa submitted a bid for the Sur–Atlántico–Acceso Sur package that covers the EzeizaCañuelas highway and national routes 3, 205 and 226, a 1,325 km block tied to about 170 billion pesos in early works.
  • Economy Minister Luis Caputo has emphasized private investment for the Red Federal de Concesiones, and Aubasa says it would set up a new company to hold any national concession if it wins.
  • The tender drew 15 bidders and follows initial awards on other corridors now testing smart tolls, while any winner must invest more than US$120 million in the first two years before toll booths start charging.