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A R$15 billion project promises to connect the northeastern coast, revolutionizing tourism and transportation in the region. The Transnordestina Turística will be able to combine sustainability, economy and culture in a single route.
The Brazilian Northeast, known for its cultural diversity and natural beauty, may be about to experience a significant transformation in its tourism and transport infrastructure.
An audacious proposal, valued at impressive $ 15 billion, promises to connect the region's coastline via a tourist railway.
Transnordestina Turística: uniting coastal cities and destinations
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The idea, presented under the name of Transnordestina Tourist, aims to connect Teresina (PI) a Salvador BA).
On the way, the train would pass stunning destinations such as Delta of the Parnaíba, in addition to other strategic points on the northeast coast.
According to the governor of Ceará, Elmano de Freitas, this railway is seen as a great opportunity to strengthen tourism and economic integration in the region.
In an interview with Journal of Northeast, he highlighted that the project would have a wide-ranging impact:
“Everyone wins, and you would start working on tourism not only in Ceará and Bahia, but in the Brazilian Northeast as a whole. So it would be a huge win for everyone.”
In addition to the economic potential, the project also focuses on a more sustainable transport solution, prioritizing regional integration and reducing the environmental impact in relation to road and air transport.
R$ 15 billion and the challenges to make the project viable
Although the proposal is attractive, its implementation faces several challenges. The estimated value of $ 15 billion it's just the starting point.
Economic and technical feasibility studies need to confirm whether the investment is it worth it and whether there will be enough demand to maintain the operation.
Among the alternatives considered, a more economical solution would be to take advantage of the infrastructure of Transnordestina railroad, currently under construction for cargo transportation.
In this proposal, passenger carriages would be added to existing trains.
However, this alternative is not without its problems. Freight trains have a maximum speed of 80 km/h, in addition to making frequent stops.
These limitations may make the service unattractive to passengers, especially on long-distance trips.
Current situation of Transnordestina
While the tourism project is still on paper, the Transnordestina railroad works are still in progress.
Originally designed for cargo transportation, it has 62% complete and expected completion date 2027.
Despite the progress, the project faces financial difficulties. In 2024, for example, it did not receive any funding from the federal government, which delayed crucial stages of construction.
Even so, experts believe that its conclusion could provide an important basis for the future of Transnordestina Turística.
The expected impacts of the tourist railway
If it becomes a reality, Transnordestina Turística could bring profound changes to the economy and tourism of the Northeast. Check out some of the main benefits:
- Strengthened tourism: Connecting coastal cities can increase the flow of visitors, benefiting inns, restaurants and other local businesses.
- Economic integration: The railway has the potential to create new markets between states, boosting trade and job creation.
- Sustainability: The use of rail transport reduces pollutant gas emissions, making the initiative more sustainable than road or air transport.
- Social inclusion: For many residents of the region, the train could be a more accessible and economical transportation option.
What is needed for Transnordestina Turística to get off the ground?
Despite all the enthusiasm, the future of the project depends on several variables. Among them are the results of the feasibility studies, which need to confirm the technical and financial viability of the plan.
Furthermore, a joint effort will be required between state governments, the federal government and investors private.
So far, the Ministry of Transport has not officially commented on the proposal, but governors in the region have already expressed support for the idea.
Sustainable alternative or utopia?
For experts, the project represents a mix of optimism and caution. On the one hand, it offers a viable alternative to road transport, which dominates the region and has high logistical costs.
On the other hand, there is a risk that the initiative will not come to fruition due to financial and technical challenges.
Whether built from scratch or adapted to the Transnordestina structure, the tourist train will be able to combine modernity with the rich history of the Northeast, providing a unique experience for both residents and tourists.
Do you believe that Transnordestina Turística will be able to revolutionize transportation and tourism in the Northeast? Leave your opinion in the comments!
Disclose data from studies on costs, demands, sources of funds for construction, physical and financial schedule, rates to be charged, possible political obstacles, priority line for rail freight transportation, etc.
Hello, my name is Josivaldo Antônio, I am from Itabaiana, Paraíba. It would be a historic landmark for all of our northeast region, having invested in some cities in the interior of Paraíba and Pernambuco, such as Timbaúba, Pernambuco, and Itabaiana, Paraíba. There is already a railway line that is useless for the entire region, and the greatest beneficiary will always be the population and tourism of the northeast region. The federal government, together with the states and the private sector, will make a big difference.