1. Home
  2. / Economy
  3. / The return of the railway! The Brazilian state wants to create the largest network of tourist trains in Brazil
AISP-GEDOC SP reading time 4 min read Comments 56 comments

The return of the railway! The Brazilian state wants to create the largest network of tourist trains in Brazil

Written by Alisson Ficher
Published 02/12/2024 às 18:28
SP government launches plan to create the largest railway tourism network in Brazil, connecting history, culture and nature.
SP government launches plan to create the largest railway tourism network in Brazil, connecting history, culture and nature.

São Paulo is investing heavily in rail tourism! The state will create the largest network of tourist trains in Brazil, rescuing historic tracks, building themed museums and connecting routes through nature and iconic cities. With a billion-dollar investment, this initiative promises to revolutionize the sector and attract travelers from all over the country.

In a scenario where sustainable tourism and the appreciation of historical heritage are gaining strength, an ambitious project promises to revolutionize the sector in Brazil.

The proposal led by Government of São Paulo seeks to rescue the glories of the national railway while boosting regional tourism.

But what is the secret behind this plan that has already attracted the attention of experts and travelers? The answer involves more than a thousand kilometers of tracks, a billion-dollar investment and a direct connection with the country's history and nature.

At the heart of this initiative is the Rail Tourism Program, which is part of the state project SP on Tracks.

Recently launched, it aims to revitalize 23 railway circuits, including the recovery of stations, construction of themed museums and integration with the Intercity Train (TIC), connecting existing routes and new sections.

The expectation is that the program will inject up to R$1,8 billion into the São Paulo economy over the next 10 years.

Mantiqueira Train: a journey between history and nature

Among the most promising projects is the Mantiqueira Train, which will connect São Paulo and Minas Gerais on a 35 km route, starting from Cruzeiro to Passa Quatro.

The plan includes the restoration of Cruzeiro railway station and the creation of a museum dedicated to the Constitutionalist Revolution of 1932, one of the most remarkable passages in the history of São Paulo.

According to the Government of São Paulo, the circuit will benefit 12 municipalities in the Paraíba Valley and the North Coast.

Currently, the Brazilian Railway Preservation Association (ABPF) operates 10 km of this route, known for its stunning scenery and historical relevance.

Santos and the Railway Museum: culture and accessibility on the coast of São Paulo

Another highlight is the project that will revitalize Cais do Valongo, in Santos, with the creation of a railway circuit connected to the City Railway Museum.

According to the Government, the initiative aims to facilitate access for tourists coming from the capital through integration with the Intercity Train.

The proposal is to ensure that the museum becomes a strategic point on the tourist route, promoting appreciation of Brazilian railway history and offering a rich cultural experience to visitors.

Atlantic Forest Tourist Train: Immersion in Biodiversity

For nature lovers, the Atlantic Forest Tourist Train promises to be a real attraction.

The route, which stretches 198 km from Santos to Vale do Ribeira, will pass through municipalities such as Praia Grande, Mongaguá and Itanhaém, using the old Santos-Cajati railway.

According to those responsible for the project, although the railway network has been mapped out, some sections require restoration.

The route offers a unique experience amidst the lush vegetation of the Atlantic Forest, one of the richest biomes in the world.

Campos do Jordão Railway: a renewed classic

Created in 1914, the Campos do Jordao Railway (EFCJ) is one of the icons of railway tourism in São Paulo.

Today, only 7 km of its total 47 km are in operation. However, the program plans to reactivate another 9 km up to Santo Antônio do Pinhal, with completion scheduled for 2025.

The investment will not only rescue an important historical heritage, but will also pave the way for a future concession.

The railway is famous for its mountainous landscapes and the charm of the Serra da Mantiqueira.

Pilgrims' Train: religiosity on rails

Focused on religious tourism, the Pilgrims' Train promises to enhance the Rota da Fé and the connection with the city of Aparecida, an important pilgrimage destination in Brazil.

The route will start in Cachoeira Paulista and will reach São José dos Campos, using part of the Intercity Train line.

According to the Government, this project is one of the most strategic and promising for railway tourism in the state, thanks to the religious and cultural appeal of the region.

Other featured routes

In addition to the projects mentioned, the program includes circuits such as Interior Roots Train, connecting Boituva to Laranjal Paulista; the Ipanema Train, between Sorocaba and Iperó; and a route that will connect Ribeirão Preto to Franca.

Each of these initiatives reflects the commitment of the Government of São Paulo to rescuing railways as a means of transport and tourist attraction.

The largest railway tourism network in Brazil is about to become a reality.

With a focus on history, nature and religion, the state of São Paulo invests heavily to transform abandoned tracks into paths of culture and development.

And you, which of these routes would you like to explore? Share your opinion in the comments!

  • Reaction
  • Reaction
  • Reaction
  • Reaction
  • Reaction
  • Reaction
132 people reacted to this.
React to article
Register
Notify
guest
56 Comments
Older
Last Most voted
Feedbacks
View all comments
Juarez,
Juarez,
02/12/2024 19:19

One route would be Sao Paulo to Santos

Paulo Roberto Biassio
Paulo Roberto Biassio
02/12/2024 20:26

Finally a government realized that trains are better and safer trips for people to make contact with nature and much more... congratulations on the initiative...

Alisson Ficher

Journalist graduated in 2017 and working in the field since 2015, with six years of experience in print magazines and over 12 thousand online publications. Specialist in politics, jobs, economics, courses, among other topics. If you have any questions, want to report an error or suggest a topic on the topics covered on the site, please contact us by email: alisson.hficher@outlook.com. We do not accept resumes!

Share across apps
0
We would love your opinion on this subject, comment!x