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The government is moving forward with a plan to revolutionize Brazilian logistics with a 2.400 km railway. Connecting Mato Grosso to Bahia, the project promises to reduce transportation costs, increase the efficiency of grain and mineral transport, and boost the national economy. Will this ambitious plan finally come to fruition?
A railway capable of transforming the national economy is about to take shape.
Behind technical discussions, financial negotiations and route adjustments, the federal government is working on a monumental railway project that promises to revolutionize transportation in Brazil.
However, many challenges and critical decisions still surround the implementation of this infrastructure, which could redefine the flow of agricultural and mineral products on a large scale.
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According to Folha de S. Paul, the Ministry of Transport is preparing a package of concessions that will integrate two major railway projects: the Central-West Integration Railway (Fico) and the West-East Integration Railway (Fiol).
Combined, these two railways will form a corridor of more than 2.400 kilometers, connecting Lucas do Rio Verde, in Mato Grosso, to the port of Ilhéus, in Bahia.
The junction will pass through the axis of the North-South Railway, an important system already in operation that connects the interior of São Paulo to Maranhão.
A concession to connect Brazil
The technical and economic studies, conducted by the state-owned company Infra SA, are in the final phase and should be presented to the National Land Transport Agency (ANTT) later this month.
According to Rafael Vitale, general director of ANTT, the agency plans to start a public consultation by the end of January 2025 to discuss the concession model and receive suggestions from the private sector and civil society.
One of the most talked about points is the possible change in the Fiol route.
Initially, railroad It was supposed to end in Figueirópolis, in Tocantins, but the new plan suggests that it ends in Mara Rosa, Goiás.
This change promises to facilitate direct integration with FICO and optimize the connection with the North-South Railway. If approved, the change would reduce costs and increase the logistical efficiency of the project.
Progress and challenges of the works
Although the project brings expectations, the current scenario of the works reflects the challenges faced. In Fiol, which has a total of 1.022 kilometers planned, only 171 kilometers have been completed between Ilhéus and Caetité.
The mining company Bamin, concessionaire of this section, is in the process of returning the concession due to financial difficulties.
To avoid delays, the government is seeking to transfer the contract to another company, and Vale appears to be one of the possible interested parties.
Meanwhile, Fico is moving forward with more confidence.
Mining company Vale, responsible for the construction of 383 kilometers between Mara Rosa (GO) and Água Boa (MT), has already started the works, in exchange for the early renewal of the Vitória-Minas Railway concession.
This section must be included in the concession package, ensuring its continuity.
Economic and environmental impact
The potential impact of this railway project is gigantic.
With an infrastructure capable of connecting grain and mineral producing regions to the coast, the flow of Brazilian production should become more efficient and competitive in the international market.
Furthermore, reducing dependence on roads will reduce logistics costs and carbon emissions, making transportation more sustainable.
Experts point out that the creation of this railway network will bring development to the regions it crosses.
Municipalities along the route should experience a significant increase in job creation
and in local commerce, boosting the regional economy.
Next steps and expectations
The success of the project depends on strategic decisions and cooperation between the government and the private sector.
The public consultation scheduled for 2025 will be a crucial moment to adjust details of the concession model and consolidate the support of interested investors.
However, bureaucratic obstacles and the need for financial viability remain major challenges.
The definition of new routes, the transfer of contracts and the completion of pending sections are issues that will need to be resolved quickly to avoid even greater delays.
Will this railway megaproject Will it finally come to fruition and transform logistics in Brazil?
Finally the “authorities” are “discovering the wheel and taking the blindfold off”! Cargo transportation is much more economical these days with advances in construction technology. There are no more unsuitable lands and regions for transportation and transposition of these regions! MAY GOD PLEASES THIS TO WORK OUT AND HAPPEN!!!
We also need to build railways to transport passengers... take advantage of the routes of the lines that already exist.
It was forgotten to mention that the project is not new and is only possible thanks to the pro-trilho, launched by the previous government.