Tracks of change: The rise and fall of Bolivia's National Railway Company (ENFE): 1965–1995

Abstract

This article examines the Bolivian State Railway Company (ENFE) from its inception in 1965 to its privatisation in 1995, focusing on its structural evolution, growth, and modernisation in the context of Bolivian state capitalism. It underscores ENFE's substantial contribution to Bolivia's economy, particularly in freight and passenger transport. By comparing ENFE’s labour productivity and financial ratios with other Latin American state railways, this study reveals ENFE's distinct capability for revenue generation due to limited road competition. Key primary sources include ENFE annual reports, World Bank loan documents, archival correspondence, transport studies, and the local press. This article argues that ENFE successfully addressed transportation challenges and contributed to Bolivian economic development. These findings provide valuable insights into Bolivian economic history and Latin American railway historiography through a case study of a strategic state-owned enterprise, illustrating the potential of leveraging World Bank sources for future comparative research on Latin American railways.