Ruta Costera

What Ruta Costera does

Ruta Costera (legal name: Concesi\u00f3n Costera Cartagena Barranquilla S.A.S.) is a private Colombian toll-road concessionaire established in 2014 under Public-Private Partnership (APP) Contract 004/2014 with the Agencia Nacional de Infraestructura (ANI) as part of the national 4G Highway Program. The company operates and maintains a 146.6-km highway corridor in Colombia's Caribbean region, comprising two routes: the Cartagena–Barranquilla highway (Ruta Nacional 90A01, 109.9 km) and the Circunvalar de la Prosperidad bypass (Ruta Nacional 25AT04, 36.7 km). The infrastructure includes five toll plazas (Marahuaco, Puerto Colombia, Papiros, Galapa, and Juan Mina), all enabled with Colpass national electronic toll interoperability across six authorized tag providers, weight control stations, four service areas, SOS posts, and a 24/7 Operations Control Center (CCO). The asset portfolio includes the Viaducto El Gran Manglar — a 5.4-km bridge, the longest in Colombia and third longest in Latin America, constructed using Top-Down technology to minimize mangrove impact.

The company generates revenue primarily through toll collection under tariffs set by the Ministry of Transport (valid until January 15, 2027), with an additional non-toll revenue stream from duct infrastructure sharing/compartici\u00f3n licensing. A secondary non-toll revenue stream is being built through the recent installation of electric vehicle charging stations (electrolineras) — the first by any road concession in Colombia's Caribbean region. Free services (mechanical aid, crane, medicalized ambulance, traffic police monitoring) are provided 24/7 to all users without charge as part of the concession mandate. The company has 52 employees, is headquartered in Puerto Colombia (Atl\u00e11ntico), and has expanded its operational footprint to nine municipalities across the corridor.

Since 2020, Ruta Costera has been 100% owned by ISA Inversiones Costera S.P.A., a subsidiary of ISA V\u00cdAS Chile, which itself is part of ISA — a multilatina majority-owned by Grupo Ecopetrol (51.41%). The parent provides operational oversight through ISA V\u00cdAS Chile's international concession portfolio. The company has invested heavily in environmental and social programs: over 50,000 trees planted, 235 Ha of protected areas acquired, 1,528 Ha declared as DRMI Banco Totumo Bijibana, Carbon Neutral certification (scope 1 and 2), 40,000 mangrove seedlings planted at Ci\u00e9naga de la Virgen, six bioclimatic nurseries delivered to communities, and recognition through multiple sustainability and engineering awards (Premio Nacional Ambiental 2019, Premio Nacional de Ingenier\u00eda 2019, Premio Panamericano de Desarrollo Sostenible 2018, among others).

Name

Ruta Costera

Legal name

Concesión Costera Cartagena Barranquilla S.A.S.

Website

https://rutacostera.co

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Ruta Costera is a Colombian toll-road concessionaire operating a 146.6-km highway corridor connecting Cartagena and Barranquilla under PPP contract APP 004/2014 with ANI. It manages five toll plazas with electronic payment and provides 24/7 free emergency services. Fully owned by ISA (Grupo Ecopetrol).

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Highway Toll-Road Concession Services

NAICS

Support Activities for Road Transportation (4884)

SIC

Transportation Services (4700)

akta.pro primary industry

Managed Services & Operations Outsourcing for Tolling/RUC Programs (TLAJABAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

Privacy, Security & Compliance for Tolling/RUC (Data Governance, Audit) (TLAJABAK)

Keywords

• Toll road concession
• Highway infrastructure operations
• Public-private partnership
• Electronic toll collection
• Roadside emergency services

Headquarters

HQ city

Puerto Colombia

HQ country

Colombia

HQ region

Latin America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Toll Collection: Ruta Costera operates and maintains five toll plazas (Marahuaco, Puerto Colombia, Papiros, Galapa, Juan Mina) collecting tolls from vehicles ranging from cars to 6-axle trucks. Tariffs are set by the Ministry of Transport. Users paying at Puerto Colombia receive free passage at Papiros within 12 hours. Users of the Circunvalar's first toll station receive free passage at the second toll within 2 hours. Electronic toll collection is enabled through the Colpass interoperability system supporting multiple tag providers (Flypass, Gopass, Facilpass, Copiloto, Vía Rápida, Openpass). The concession contract is an APP (Asociación Público Privada) with the Colombian government via ANI, under the 4G (Fourth Generation) highway program.
2. Duct Infrastructure Sharing: Ruta Costera has made duct infrastructure available for commercial sharing/compartición, enabling third parties to use or lease duct capacity along the corridor, generating additional non-toll revenue streams.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Ruta Costera is a private toll-road concessionaire operating and maintaining a 146.6-km highway corridor linking Cartagena and Barranquilla under Public-Private Partnership Contract APP 004 of 2014 with Colombia's National Infrastructure Agency (ANI). The company collects tolls at five plazas (Marahuaco, Puerto Colombia, Papiros, Galapa, Juan Mina), offers electronic toll payment via Colpass interoperability, and provides 24/7 free roadside services including mechanical aid, cranes, medicalized ambulances, SOS posts, traffic police accompaniment, and continuous corridor monitoring through its Operations Control Center (CCO). The concession also delivers associated infrastructure such as the Viaducto El Gran Manglar, weight control stations, service areas, and dedicated cyclist lanes.

Product overview

Ruta Costera is a road concessionaire operating a 146.6 km highway corridor in Colombia's Caribbean region under APP Contract 004 of 2014 with Colombia's National Infrastructure Agency (ANI). The company operates two main road routes: the Cartagena–Barranquilla highway (Ruta Nacional 90A01, 109.9 km) and the Circunvalar de la Prosperidad bypass (Ruta Nacional 25AT04, 36.7 km). The portfolio includes five toll plazas (Marahuaco, Puerto Colombia, Papiros, Galapa, and Juan Mina), an electronic toll payment system (Colpass interoperability), free roadside services (mechanical assistance, crane, medicalized ambulance, SOS posts, traffic police, 24/7 monitoring), Viaduct El Gran Manglar (5.4 km, Colombia's longest bridge), and community programs under the Conexión Desarrollo model. The concession is 100% owned by ISA Inversiones Costera S.P.A. and managed under ISA VÍAS Chile.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Carretera Cartagena – Barranquilla (Ruta Nacional 90A01) Core highway corridor spanning 109.9 km connecting Cartagena and Barranquilla, the two most economically dynamic cities in Colombia's Caribbean region. Operated under the Fourth Generation (4G) Highway Program via APP Contract 004/2014 with ANI. Users pay tolls at Marahuaco, Puerto Colombia, and Papiros plazas.
• Circunvalar de la Prosperidad (Ruta Nacional 25AT04) 36.7 km new dual-carriageway bypass route connecting Malambo, Galapa, Puerto Colombia and Barranquilla, functioning as the new external boundary of Barranquilla and the preferred route to Ernesto Cortissoz Airport. Users pay tolls at Galapa and Juan Mina plazas.
• Red de Peajes (Toll Plaza Network) Five toll plazas — Marahuaco, Puerto Colombia and Papiros on the Vía al Mar (Ruta 90A01), and Galapa and Juan Mina on the Circunvalar de la Prosperidad (Ruta 25AT04). Tariffs are set by the Ministry of Transport and vary by vehicle category (I–VII). Free-pass benefits apply within certain time windows (Puerto Colombia→Papiros within 12 hours; Galapa→Juan Mina within 2 hours). All five plazas accept Colpass electronic payment.
• Pago Electrónico de Peajes (Colpass) Electronic toll payment service using Colpass interoperability technology. Allows users with any authorized Tag device (Flypass, Gopass, Facilpass, Copiloto, Vía Rápida, Openpass) to use dedicated electronic payment lanes without stopping or using cash at all five Ruta Costera plazas.
• Servicios Gratuitos (Free Roadside Services) 24/7 free roadside services including mechanical aid and road inspection, crane service (2 heavy + 2 light cranes), medicalized ambulance (TAM), SOS posts, traffic police accompaniment, and continuous corridor monitoring — all coordinated from the Centro de Control de Operaciones (CCO). Available to any road user at no direct charge.
• Estaciones de Pesaje (Weight Control Stations) Six weight control stations for cargo vehicles to prevent overweight transit and protect road infrastructure — four on the Circunvalar de la Prosperidad and two on the Vía al Mar. Operating 24/7/365.
• Áreas de Servicio (Service Areas) Four service areas along the route with parking, restrooms, and commercial spaces for drivers — located at PR12+400, PR24+200, PR93+600 (Puerto Colombia toll), and PR15+1100 (Marahuaco toll).
• Viaducto El Gran Manglar 5.4 km viaduct over the Ciénaga de la Virgen — the longest bridge in Colombia and the third longest in Latin America. Built using Top-Down construction technology achieving 80% reduction in mangrove intervention. Features LED solar lighting and 2,900 m³ of rubberized asphalt in bird nesting zones.
• Ciclovía Segura (Safe Cycling Lane) 30 km safe cycling lane on the Circunvalar de la Prosperidad operated every Sunday from 5:30 to 9:30 AM. Includes traffic police accompaniment, transit agents, medical assistance, mechanical support, hydration points, and restrooms — the first concession friendly to cyclists in the region.
• Conexión Desarrollo (Social Management Program) Social management model implementing strategic programs to connect with communities, contribute to territorial development, and leave a positive legacy. Includes user attention, community information, community strengthening, and road safety culture. Includes mobile office (Oficina Móvil) operations covering 9 municipalities.
• Programa de Arqueología Preventiva (Archaeological Preservation Program) Archaeological preservation program protecting archaeological, paleontological, ethnohistoric, and cultural heritage during construction. Includes rescue of lithic pieces, anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figures, pottery, and colonial artifacts.

Quantifiable outcome

• Viaducto El Gran Manglar: 5.4 km — longest in Colombia and 3rd in Latin America, with 80% reduction in mangrove intervention using Top-Down technology
• +5 more outcomes

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ISA VÍAS ChilecoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2020ISA VÍAS Chile is the primary road concession operator in Chile and the entity through which the acquisition of 100% of Ruta Costera's shares was made effective. It manages a portfolio of Chilean routes: Ruta del Maipo, Ruta del Maule, Ruta del Bosque, Ruta de la Araucanía, Ruta de los Ríos, and Ruta del Loa. It provides operational oversight and management expertise to Ruta Costera.
• Agencia Nacional de Infraestructura (ANI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014ANI is the Colombian government agency that awarded the concession contract (APP 004 of September 10, 2014) to Ruta Costera under the 4G (Fourth Generation) Highway Program. ANI oversees the concession contract, approves tariff adjustments, and monitors compliance with contractual obligations. Ruta Costera operates and maintains the 146.6-km corridor on behalf of ANI.
• Colpass (Ministry of Transport)coreTechnology or IntegrationColpass is the national electronic toll interoperability platform mandated by the Colombian Ministry of Transport. All five Ruta Costera toll plazas participate in the Colpass system, allowing any registered electronic tag from any authorized provider to be used at all participating toll roads nationwide, eliminating the need for multiple tags.
• Policía Nacional — Seccionales de Tránsito y Transporte (Atlántico y Bolívar)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRuta Costera has a formal agreement with Colombia's National Police for traffic and transport surveillance along the corridor. The police conduct operations, monitor the road, respond to accidents, support road safety campaigns, and handle any incidents on the 146.6-km route.
• Tránsito del AtlánticocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn partnership with the Atlético transit authority, Ruta Costera created a safe cycling space on the Circunvalar de la Prosperidad — the first concession friendly to cyclists in the region. This includes 30 km of dedicated lanes on Sundays (5:30–9:30 a.m.) with traffic police, transit agents, and medical/mechanical support.
• Corporación Autónoma Regional del Atlántico (CRA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCRA is the regional environmental authority that granted environmental licenses and with whom Ruta Costera coordinated the compensation strategy for the Viaducto El Gran Manglar. Joint efforts include the declaration of DRMI Banco Totumo Bijibana (1,528 Ha), mangrove restoration, and predial sanitation of protected areas (DRMI Luriza).
• Comunidades del Área de Influencia (La Boquilla, Villa Gloria, Tierra Baja, Puerto Rey)minorOthersLocal communities along the corridor participate in environmental compensation activities, including mangrove nurseries, planting, monitoring, and maintenance. Communities benefit through employment and training in environmental management, strengthening local capacities.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• ISA Vías Chile: ISA Vías Chile is the direct sibling and management company of Ruta Costera - both are toll road concessionaires owned by ISA. It operates six Chilean routes (Ruta del Maipo, Ruta del Maule, Ruta del Bosque, Ruta de la Araucanía, Ruta de los Ríos, Ruta del Loa) under comparable PPP structures with comparable toll collection, electronic payment integration, and free emergency service obligations.
• Odinsa (Organización de Ingeniería Internacional): Odinsa is a major Colombian infrastructure concessionaire operating toll roads and airports under PPP models with ANI. Comparable in concession structure, ANI oversight, toll collection, and free road services to Ruta Costera. Direct competitor for Colombian 4G/5G concession tenders.
• Concesionaria Vial del Pacífico (Covipacífico): Covipacífico is a Colombian 4G highway concessionaire operating the Pacífico 2 and Pacífico 3 corridors under PPP contracts with ANI. Operates toll plazas with electronic payment, free emergency services, and 24/7 operations control - a near-perfect functional mirror of Ruta Costera in a different Colombian region.
• Ruta del Sol (Consorcio Vía del Sol / Yuma Concesionaria): Yuma Concesionaria operates the Ruta del Sol sector III in Colombia under an ANI concession - a 4G-era toll road concession with comparable tariff structure, toll plazas, free emergency services, and concession contract framework. Direct competitor for ANI concession awards.

Broad incumbents

• Abertis: Abertis is one of the world's largest toll road operators with a portfolio of concessions across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Operates toll collection, electronic payment systems, and PPP concessions - comparable in core business model to Ruta Costera, though at vastly greater geographic and operational scale.
• VINCI Highways: VINCI Highways is the global toll road and mobility infrastructure arm of VINCI, operating concessions worldwide. Comparable in PPP-based toll road operation, electronic toll collection, and concession lifecycle management to Ruta Costera. Major global benchmark for concession economics.
• Cintra (Ferrovial): Cintra is Ferrovial's global toll road development and operations arm, managing 27 concessions across 10 countries. Comparable in PPP-based toll road operation, electronic tolling systems, and free service obligations. Operates the Autopista del Sol in Peru - a Latin American counterpart.
• Sacyr Concesiones: Sacyr Concesiones operates toll roads in Spain, Chile, Italy, Portugal, Colombia, and other markets. Comparable PPP-based toll road operation model with electronic toll collection. Active in Colombia via Ruta del Algarrobo concessions, making it a regional competitor for ANI tenders.

Regional players

• CCR (Companhia de Concessões Rodoviárias): CCR is Brazil's largest toll road concessionaire operating under federal/state PPP contracts analogous to Colombia's ANI 4G program. Operates toll plazas with electronic payment, 24/7 emergency services, and Operations Control Centers - structurally identical to Ruta Costera but in the Brazilian market.
• Grupo Costanera (Chile): Grupo Costanera operates urban and interurban toll concessions in Chile and other Latin American markets, with electronic toll collection and PPP structures. Comparable in business model to Ruta Costera, with overlap via ISA's Chilean portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/RutaCostera_
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@rutacostera_?feature=shared
• Facebookfacebook.com/RutaCosteraCaba
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ruta-costera-isa
• Instagraminstagram.com/rutacostera_

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ruta Costera