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New rail route promises to transform logistics in Santa Catarina with connection between Itapoá and Joinville, expanding access to ports and reducing transportation costs
Santa Catarina could gain a strategic boost to its infrastructure with the construction of a 110 km railway between Itapoá and Joinville. The project has an estimated cost of R$2 billion and is part of FIESC’s “Infrastructure Agenda”, which outlines the main investments needed for the logistics sector in the state.
This railway is an essential solution to connect the Port of Itapoá to the national railway network. Currently, the region relies almost exclusively on road transport, which can create bottlenecks and increase logistics costs. With the new railway, there will be direct access to the railway that connects Joinville to the ports of São Francisco do Sul, creating a new alternative for transporting goods.
Investments and construction challenges
Despite the railway's high potential, the project still faces significant challenges. The main one is defining sources of financing. The estimated cost is around US$300 million, but so far, there is no defined source of funding.
Fiesc has an important role by including this work in its “Infrastructure Agenda”, helping to highlight the need for investment. However, without a concrete financial commitment, the project remains on paper.
If construction is confirmed, the impacts on the local economy will be significant. The new rail model could attract investment, reduce transportation costs and boost the competitiveness of Santa Catarina's industrial sector.
Expansion of the railway network in SC
According to NSC Total, the railway between Itapoá and Joinville is not the only project underway. The government The Santa Catarina Railway Company is also working on the development of an executive project for a 62 km connection between Araquari and the ports of Itajaí and Navegantes. This new branch line could further strengthen the state's railway network and offer logistical alternatives for the port and industrial sectors.
Porto Itapoá has requested the National Land Transportation Agency (ANTT) to grant permission to build and operate two railways: the connection between Itapoá and Araquari and another 83 km branch between Itapoá and Morretes, in Paraná. If the requests are accepted, new studies will need to be carried out before the works can be carried out.
The role of government and next steps in construction
The government of Santa Catarina has requested the federal government to include studies on this railway in the New PAC (Growth Acceleration Program). If approved, the project can gain new breath with the support of federal investments.
However, until a final decision is made, several factors need to be resolved, including feasibility studies, environmental licensing and definition of funding sources. Without these elements, the project may take a long time to get off the ground.
