Technical, economic, and financial feasibility study: elevated monorail for the city of Córdoba and its metropolitan área

Abstract

The study focused on analyzing the technical, economic, and financial feasibility of implementing an elevated monorail system in the city of Córdoba and its metropolitan area as an alternative form of mass transportation in response to growing traffic congestion and the inefficiency of the current bus system. The research was conducted using a mixed approach, combining qualitative and quantitative techniques, through interviews, focus groups, and review of documentary and statistical sources.
The results highlighted that the elevated monorail offered significant technical advantages, such as small stations, reduced curve radii, flexible transport capacity, low noise levels, and the possibility of automation. From a financial standpoint, the project had an estimated total cost of $1.007 billion, considerably less than the subway alternative. The economic analysis yielded a positive Net Present Value (NPV) of $97.7 million and an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 43.45%, indicating its viability and profitability.
In terms of social impact, it was concluded that the monorail represented an opportunity to improve urban mobility, reduce travel times, decrease environmental pollution, and optimize the quality of life for residents. Likewise, its implementation promoted social inclusion by ensuring accessibility and introducing competition into a transportation market dominated by a few bus companies.
The project was considered feasible and beneficial from a technical, financial, and social standpoint.