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Why does Brazil have so many unpaved highways? The reality behind roads that look more like rally tracks

Written by Bruno Teles
Published 28/09/2024 às 13:13
Why does Brazil have so many unpaved highways? The reality behind roads that look more like rally tracks
Highways in Brazil need more attention (Image: Representation)

If you've ever driven on an unpaved highway in Brazil, you know it's like taking part in a radical adventure, full of excitement and surprises (read: potholes, dust and mud).

If you've ever driven on an unpaved highway in Brazil, you'll know that the scene looks like a practical joke. Between potholes, dust and mud, the country boasts a gigantic road network, but with one annoying detail: only 12% of the roads are paved! But how is it possible that a country with continental dimensions has such precarious infrastructure?

Why are so many highways in Brazil unpaved?

BR-230, which crosses the Northeast and North of Brazil, is just one of the many highways that suffer from a lack of asphalt. This unpaved highway is a classic example of what thousands of miles of Brazilian roads face. The problem, however, goes beyond a simple lack of paving. Although, under the Bolsonaro government, a stretch was paved. However, the highway is more than 4 thousand kilometers long.

The Ministry of Transport recently announced an investment of R$1,7 billion to rehabilitate and build 860 km of roads by April 2023. Minas Gerais, for example, has already begun rehabilitation works in the Triângulo Mineiro and Alto Paranaíba regions. However, despite these efforts, the Brazilian road network still poses a monumental challenge.

The Brazilian road network and its challenges

O Brazil has the fourth largest road network in the world, with more than 1,7 million kilometers of roads. However, the the vast majority of these highways remain unpaved, with only 12% of them paved. And, of those that are paved, around 66% are considered to be of fair, poor or very poor quality.

This reality means that many roads that should be effective transport routes end up causing more problems than solutions. Cargo transportation, which represents 62% of national logistics, depends mainly on highways. Poor road quality results in vehicle damage, increased maintenance costs and significant delays in the transport of goods and passengers.

The story behind the chaos on the roads

Since the time of the Republic, the Brazil prioritized highway transportation, to the detriment of alternatives such as railways and waterways. This choice, combined with public management marked by corruption and lack of planning, led to a scenario where the road network is gigantic, but insufficient.

In recent years, investment in road infrastructure has fallen dramatically. In 2021, the government invested R$5,8 billion in roads, just 0,07% of GDP, the lowest amount since 2006. This number is even more alarming when compared to the R$20 billion invested in 2010 and 2011.. In other words, investment in the sector fell 73% in just over a decade.

Comparison with other countries

If we compare Brazil with other nations, the situation becomes even more dramatic. In the United States, for example, more than 75% of roads are paved. China already has around 88% of its road network paved. Even India, which has a vast rural road network, has managed to pave 67% of its roads. Meanwhile, Brazil is struggling with its unpaved roads, increasing freight costs and making products more expensive.

How much longer will Brazil have so many unpaved highways?

Despite recent investment announcements, it is difficult to predict whether the promises will be fulfilled. Corruption, mismanagement of resources and lack of maintenance remain significant barriers. In addition, the continental size of the country makes the task of paving and maintaining all the roads a major logistical and financial challenge.

While countries like France, the United States and China are moving forward with solid and well-maintained infrastructure, the Brazil still faces the pitfalls of lack of planning and investment. With such an extensive road network and a tiny portion of paving, the question remains: for how much longer will Brazil have so many unpaved highways?

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Bruno Teles

I talk about technology, innovation, oil and gas. I update daily about opportunities in the Brazilian market. With more than 2.300 articles published in CPG. Agenda suggestion? Send it to brunotelesredator@gmail.com

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