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The Mantiqueira Express Reactivates a Historic Railway Stretch from 1884 and Is the First of the “SP on the Tracks” Program to Connect the Two States, Boosting Tourism in the Region.
According to information released by the Diário do Litoral portal, a milestone for tourism and the preservation of Brazilian railway history is beginning to take shape. This weekend, the first test rides of the tourist train that will connect the interior of São Paulo to Minas Gerais will take place. The project, called Mantiqueira Express, reactivates a historic line and represents the first interstate tourist railway product of the Southern and Southeastern Integration Consortium (COSUD).
The initiative is part of the ambitious “SP on the Tracks” program, launched by the Government of São Paulo to requalify and modernize the state’s railway network. The initial phase of the project encompasses a six-kilometer stretch between the central station of Cruzeiro (SP) and the Rufino de Almeida Station, located at the foot of the Mantiqueira Mountains. This reactivation is a fundamental step towards the plan to extend the tracks back to Passa Quatro (MG).
Mantiqueira Express, a Journey Through History on the Tracks of 1884
The route that is once again receiving passengers is steeped in history. The original line was inaugurated in 1884 and was even traveled by Emperor Dom Pedro II. The reactivation not only rescues this memory but also protects the railway layout from urban encroachment, ensuring the preservation of heritage.
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The restoration of the stretch, which had been deactivated and in some places covered by vegetation, was conducted by the Brazilian Association for Railway Preservation (ABPF). The meticulous work included replacing sleepers and completely recovering the track to ensure the safety of operations.
A Strategic Project of the “SP on the Tracks” Program
The tourist train Mantiqueira Express is one of the main bets of the Government of São Paulo to boost the regional economy through tourism. The program “SP on the Tracks” plans investments to develop 23 railway circuits, integrating them with other modes of transport.
The expectation is that the complete route, with 25 kilometers between Cruzeiro and Passa Quatro, will stimulate the economy of the Paraíba Valley and the Mantiqueira Mountains, generating jobs and new business opportunities in the involved cities.
Details of the Route and Expansion Plans for the Tourist Train
In this first phase, the test rides cover the six-kilometer stretch, but the plans are grand. The ultimate goal is to restore the complete connection to Passa Quatro, where the ABPF already operates the Mantiqueira Mountains Train.
In addition to expanding the tracks, the project includes the creation of a railway museum. The space will be installed in the old Primitive Workshop, next to the Cruzeiro station, and will house pieces and documents that tell the rich history of the railway in the region.
How the Inaugural Test Rides Will Work
The inaugural test rides will take place this weekend. The symbolic rides also mark the holding of the 1st Ferromodeling Meeting of Cruzeiro. For visitors participating, there will also be an opportunity to explore the historical yard of the ABPF, a space dedicated to preserving railway memory.
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