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With Restored Tracks After Decades of Abandonment, Century-Old Locomotive Returns to Cross the Serra da Mantiqueira, Connecting Cruzeiro (SP) to Passa Quatro (MG), on Historical Route That Revives the Original Route Traveled by Emperor Dom Pedro II in 1884.
The Historic Train of the Serra da Mantiqueira, inaugurated by Dom Pedro II in 1884, will resume operations between Minas Gerais and São Paulo starting July 5.
The resumption takes place in the municipality of Cruzeiro, in the interior of São Paulo, at an event coordinated by the Brazilian Association of Railway Preservation (ABPF).
The reopening will be held during the first model railway meeting in Cruzeiro, scheduled for July 5 and 6.
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The locomotive will depart from the Central Station and continue to the Rufino de Almeida Station, on a route of approximately 6 kilometers with an estimated duration of one hour.
The section had been inactive since the 1990s and was rehabilitated with the recovery of 4.5 kilometers of tracks and support structures.
History of the Train of Dom Pedro II
The railway was opened to the public in 1884 and featured the presence of Emperor Dom Pedro II on the inaugural trip.
At the time, the project aimed to connect Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro, but the extension was ended in Cruzeiro.
With the deactivation carried out by the Federal Railway Network (RFFSA) in 1991, about 170 kilometers ceased to be used.
Currently, there are 20 kilometers in operation, managed by ABPF, including the route between Passa Quatro and Coronel Fulgêncio, in Minas Gerais.
The restored route in Cruzeiro passes through natural areas of the Serra da Mantiqueira and the Mantiqueira Tunnel, built in 1883 and used as a front line during the Constitutional Revolution of 1932.
Promotional Tickets and Expansion Project
Promotional tickets will be available at the launch, with estimated prices around R$ 90, consistent with those practiced on the Minas Gerais stretch.
ABPF plans to extend the route to Passa Quatro, connecting the two cities via the 997-meter railway tunnel.
There are also plans to extend the line to São José dos Campos, a city that may connect to the future Intercity East Corridor Train.
This new rail service is expected to begin operations between 2033 and 2034, heading to São Paulo city.
Current Operation of the Tourist Train in Passa Quatro
The Serra da Mantiqueira Train in Passa Quatro offers rides on weekends and holidays.
The itinerary includes stops at restored stations, photographic exhibitions, regional products, and visits to the interior of the Mantiqueira Tunnel.
The main station has been declared a historical heritage site and houses a cultural center maintained by ABPF.
In Cruzeiro, the train station serves as a base for locomotive restoration workshops, such as the Baldwin 332, built in 1925.
Historical and Technical Data of the Railway
The Mantiqueira Tunnel, besides being the scene of armed conflicts in 1932, was recognized as cultural heritage in 2017.
The railway used a meter gauge (1 meter) and, during its inaugural phase, allowed travel speeds of up to 52 kilometers per hour.
The preserved locomotives were manufactured in the early 20th century and remain in operation after mechanical and structural restoration.
Touristic and Economic Relevance
The reactivation of the tourist train between Cruzeiro and Passa Quatro integrates actions to enhance the historical railway heritage and stimulates regional tourism.
The two cities are located in areas known for ecotourism, trails, and gastronomic and cultural events.
Tourist packages that combine train rides with nature activities and visits to artisan centers are offered by local operators.
The expectation is that the resumption of the railway will contribute to strengthening the local economy and creating temporary and permanent jobs.
Expectations for the Coming Years
ABPF’s forecast is to complete the full connection between Cruzeiro and Passa Quatro by 2025.
The project includes future integration into the São Paulo railway system, with connections that may reach the state capital.
The question remains: would you visit this historical route that connects two states and revives the memory of one of the oldest railways in Brazil?
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