Estación Central railway station

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Estación Central is Santiago, Chile's only operating train station after the decommissioning of the Estación Mapocho. The Estación Central is the initial departure point for all rail traffic bound for southern Chile (passenger trains no longer serve northern Chile). It is located on the Avenida Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins avenue, facing Matucana avenue.

The building was designed by Gustave Eiffel (1897), and its metallic structure built by the French firm Scheider of Le Creusot. It has long been a reference point for travellers and locals; the building is so well known that it gave the name to the municipality and commune where it is located: Estación Central. The building is a national monument and is protected by law against being demolished or remodeled.

The station has experienced a revival in the past years as the rail system managed by the government (Ferrocarriles del Estado) has been modernized somewhat, in an attempt to restore the bygone appeal for train travel. These efforts have met with moderate success. The station is an important hub for public transportation, with a Metro station and three intercity bus terminals within walking distance. Many local bus lines also stop at the station. A medium-sized shopping center is now adjacent to the station.