You may find this link interesting reading:
[
www.rrdc.com]
From the above article:
Quote:Henry Posner
: What is the logic behind building an alternative to the Panama Canal in Colombia?
Henry Posner: First of all, this is not a rail alternative to the Panama Canal. This is a coal railroad from Central Colombia to the Pacific Ocean and while it has been described as a transcontinental link, my understanding is that coal will be a big part of the rail traffic. So I would describe it more as a coal railroad disguised as a transcontinental link.
Note that Henry Posner is involved with the Panama Canal Railway, so he has some interest in whether or not a Guatemalan alternative is developed