Estación Central, Chile

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Estacion Central is Santiago, Chile's only operating train station after the decomissioning 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 Alameda Bernardo O'Higgins, the main steet of Santiago, across from the planetarium.

The building was designed by Gustave Eiffel, along with the Mercado Central of Valparaiso, and has long been a reference point for travellers and locals, the building is so prominent that it is located within a Municipality (comuna) bearing its own name: Comuna de Estación Central. The building is a national monument and under such station cannot be demolished or modified.

The station has experienced a revival in the past years as the rail system managed by the government (Ferrocarriles del Estado) has attempted to improve its image and restore the bygone appeal for train travel. These efforts have met with moderate success.

Rail traffic aside, the station is arguably the most impotant hub for public transportation, with a Metro station and 3 intercity bus terminals within walking distance. Many local bus lines also make a stop at the station. Being so central to many people, it is a natural place to establish a business and a medium sized shopping center is now adjacent to the building itself.

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