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The rail project has become the subject of controversy. Approved during the former mayor's administration, the construction raises suspicions about favoritism and legality. The companies involved provided services to the city government. The case is being monitored by the inspection team, which could have legal and political twists and turns in the coming weeks!
A recent work, according to the Marilia News Portal, has generated heated debates among residents.
A construction project that advances over disused railway tracks has brought to the fore discussions about urban development, the use of public spaces and the limits between private interest and the common good.
The city of Marília, known for its rapid growth and infrastructure challenges, now finds itself facing a situation that mixes past and future, tradition and modernity.
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Construction on disused railway generates controversy
The former mayor Daniel Alonso (PL) is at the center of this controversy.
In December 2024, its management approved the construction of a 3.618,58 m² masonry shed in the northern area of Marília, intended to function as building materials warehouse.
The land, acquired by his family in October 2021 for R $ million 3,7, It has 2,95 hectares : and is strategically located close to the railway and highway Commander João Ribeiro de Barros (SP-294).
Although the work was financed with private resources, it invaded a railroad track, which, in theory, is not allowed.
Furthermore, project approval took place in about 40 days, a period considered short and which raised questions about the processing.
A earthmoving and asphalting were carried out by companies that provided services to the City of Marília in the previous administration. This information was collected by Marilia News.
Rapid approval raises doubts
A speed in project approval caught attention. According to the Marilia News, the Secretariat of Urban Planning (SPUs) of Alonso's management authorized construction in about 40 days.
However, it is not clear when exactly the project was filed and under what conditions it received approval.
This speed is similar to that observed in more than 20 major works approved between October and December 2024, as revealed by the current management of SPUs ao Marilia News.
Intervention on the railway and reactions
A critical point of the work is the construction of two passages about the railway. One of them has already been asphalted, providing entry and exit to the future shed via Republic Avenue.
This access was closed with screens on February 10, 2025. Supervisory bodies are following the case, which may have political and legal developments in the next weeks.
The concessionaire responsible for the railway informed that the level crossings located at Republic Avenue are irregular. In a note to the Marilia News, the company stated:
“In compliance with the obligations of the Paulista Mesh, the company is carrying out inspections and checks on the conditions of all level crossings in the region, whether official or not. After the completion of this survey, a visit to the City Hall will be scheduled to align the necessary actions. We emphasize that all unofficial passages will be closed, as determined by railway safety standards.”
Positioning of the Alonso family
In response to criticism, the Alonso family sent a note to Marilia News clarifying your position.
They argue that Marília grew up along the railway line and that the transposition of tracks has always been a common practice, even used by the public authorities themselves.
They highlight that the section in question is abandoned for years, without any plan to resume rail transport.
The note mentions that, recently, the Minister of Transport announced the removal of tracks that pass through cities, a decision of a technical and political of the federal government.
The family reaffirms that all actions taken were carried out within the law, following current regulations.
They criticize the stance of the current municipal administration, claiming that the unfounded allegations come from the group that is currently in power in the city, which is trying to create obstacles for entrepreneurs and harm the development of Marília.
They clarify that, at the location, only the earthworks and soil drainage, essential steps to prepare the land, which is quite uneven, before construction begins.
The companies hired are those that have the knowledge to perform this type of service.
Any larger project would hire these companies. They reiterate their commitment to the city's progress and to transparency in its initiatives.
Historical context and previous projects
The relationship of Marilia with its railway network is historic. The city developed along the tracks, which for many years were vital for the transportation of people and goods.
Over time, however, many passages were disabled, and the areas to the around the railways passed through transformations.
Em 2017, during the management of Daniel Alonso, a project was presented Linear Park to Logistics course, the company responsible for the railway line that passes through the city.
The goal was revitalize areas near the tracks, creating leisure spaces for the population and avoiding the accumulation of garbage and irregular occupations.
The project envisaged the construction of walking trails, squares, outdoor gyms, playgrounds, food courts, cycle paths and tree planting, in addition to public lighting.
The proposal also included the construction of the space “Science Station”, a project that would be presented in the following months.
A Logistics course I was looking for the renewal of the concession of Malha Paulista to make projects such as the railway connection viable Bauru-Marilia-Panorama, a route of 350 km.
Future developments
The current situation raises questions about the use of disused railway areas, the process of approval of works and transparency in public management.
While the Alonso family defends the legality of their actions and criticizes the stance of the current administration, supervisory bodies analyze the case, which may have political and legal implications.
