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Chinese Train Manufacturer Chooses Interior City in São Paulo to Invest R$ 50 Million and Produce Trains for the Metro and Intercity Rail

Written by Alisson Ficher
Published on 29/07/2025 at 19:18
Updated on 29/07/2025 at 19:19
CRRC investe R$ 50 milhões em Araraquara para produzir trens destinados ao Metrô e Trem Intercidades, impulsionando a indústria ferroviária paulista.
CRRC investe R$ 50 milhões em Araraquara para produzir trens destinados ao Metrô e Trem Intercidades, impulsionando a indústria ferroviária paulista.
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Chinese Giant in the Railway Sector Announces Million-Dollar Investment and Train Production in Araraquara, Paulista Interior, Focusing on Strategic Projects for São Paulo and National Expansion.

The city of Araraquara, located in the interior of the state of São Paulo, was chosen to host a new industrial unit of the Chinese giant CRRC, currently considered one of the largest train manufacturers in the world.

According to information from the Government of the State of São Paulo, the initial investment for the installation of the industrial plant was estimated at R$ 50 million, an amount that will be directed towards train production to meet the demands of the São Paulo Metro and the Intercity Train project, which envisions a railway connection between the capital and the city of Campinas.

The Secretary of Partnerships and Investments of the State, Rafael Benini, detailed that the CRRC will operate in part of the existing structure in the city, currently used by the Korean Hyundai Rotem.

The process will occur through a lease, still subject to approval by the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (Cade), the federal agency responsible for authorizing large-scale business operations in Brazil.

According to official information, the expectation is that production of the new trains will begin in mid-2026, after the completion of regulatory procedures.

CRRC invests R$ 50 million in Araraquara to produce trains for the Metro and Intercity Train, boosting the railway industry in São Paulo.
CRRC invests R$ 50 million in Araraquara to produce trains for the Metro and Intercity Train, boosting the railway industry in São Paulo.

CRRC Investment in Araraquara Boosts the Paulista Railway Industry

CRRC’s interest in the Brazilian market intensified after the signing of a recent contract for the supply of 44 new trains to the São Paulo Metro.

The agreement represents one of the largest recent foreign investments in the urban mobility sector in the Southeast region and reinforces the company’s presence in strategic infrastructure projects in the country.

In addition to supplying trains, CRRC is already involved in two relevant urban transport concessions: the Belo Horizonte Metro and the Intercity Train, both in partnership with the Brazilian group Comporte, linked to the Constantino family, traditional in the road transport sector.

The announcement of the Chinese factory’s installation in Araraquara comes at a time of strong expansion of investments in the national railway sector, driven by new concessions, public-private partnerships, and policies to promote sustainable mobility.

The choice of the city was motivated, according to sources from the state government, by the already available infrastructure, skilled labor, and strategic location close to important logistical hubs and highways in the state of São Paulo.

CRRC Expands Global Presence with Strategic Operation in Brazil

CRRC, whose acronym stands for China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation, has a solid history in supplying railway compositions to dozens of countries and is internationally recognized for its technological capacity and innovative solutions in the metro-rail segment.

The Brazilian operation adds to the company’s global portfolio, which already has contracts in markets across Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America.

According to data released in 2024, CRRC employs more than 180,000 people in its operations worldwide and invests annually in research and development to enhance railway transport technologies.

Job Creation and Economic Impacts in Paulista Interior

According to information from the State Department of Partnerships and Investments, the arrival of CRRC in Araraquara is expected to enhance the industrial potential of the region and generate new direct and indirect jobs.

The socio-economic impact is seen as positive by both the productive sector and local leaders, who highlight the importance of foreign investment for strengthening the regional economy and advancing technological development in the Paulista railway hub.

CRRC invests R$ 50 million in Araraquara to produce trains for the Metro and Intercity Train, boosting the railway industry in São Paulo.
CRRC invests R$ 50 million in Araraquara to produce trains for the Metro and Intercity Train, boosting the railway industry in São Paulo.

In addition to the already signed contract for supplying trains to the São Paulo Metro, the consortium led by CRRC is also analyzing the possibility of participating in bids to operate the Lines 10 and 14 of the urban train network in the capital.

These projects, currently in the structuring phase by the state government, should further increase demand for new railway compositions, consolidating the Chinese manufacturer’s presence in the rail transport sector in Brazil.

Regulatory Approval and Stages of the Industrial Project

The process of installing the new industrial unit foresees rigorous stages of approval and oversight by Brazilian regulatory agencies.

The lease of part of the Hyundai Rotem plant, for instance, depends on the careful analysis by Cade, which evaluates potential competitive impacts and compliance with current legislation.

According to the timeline presented by the São Paulo government, the full operation of the factory is scheduled for the second half of 2026, when the first trains should be delivered for use in the Metro and Intercity Train projects.

Internationalization and Modernization of Brazilian Urban Mobility

The strategic partnership between CRRC and national companies such as the Comporte group reflects a trend of internationalization of investments in urban mobility in Brazil, stimulating the modernization of the sector and the adoption of advanced technological standards.

The adopted model aims to meet the growing demands for efficient, sustainable, and safe public transport, addressing the needs of Brazil’s large cities and contributing to regional integration.

Among the challenges to be faced by the new operation are the technological adaptation to local regulatory requirements, workforce training, and incorporation of sustainable production processes, in line with the environmental and social guidelines set for the Brazilian railway sector.

According to experts, the presence of large international manufacturers is likely to raise the quality standards of services offered to the public and stimulate competition in the segment, bringing direct benefits to users and urban development.

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Carlos Alberto Mendes
Carlos Alberto Mendes
31/07/2025 22:14

Escolheram uma cidade do domínio dos ****, Araraquara do Edinho Silva, assim como Maricá -rj , e o estado da Bahia, reduto dos comunas. Mas o Trump vem aí, fora comunas.
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MARCELO
MARCELO
31/07/2025 20:57

R$50 milhões é pouco para um produto dessa magnitude,

Ricardo Augusto Cordeiro de Miranda
Ricardo Augusto Cordeiro de Miranda
31/07/2025 17:07

A Empresa CRRC,recebeu lá na China,a visita do Governador Jorginho Mello, Secretário de Portos Aeroportos e Ferrovias do Estado de Santa Catarina, para investimentos no Setor Ferroviário Catarinense, já vieram na semana passada, sentir a coisa de perto. Vamos em frente!

Alisson Ficher

A journalist who graduated in 2017 and has been active in the field since 2015, with six years of experience in print magazines, stints at free-to-air TV channels, and over 12,000 online publications. A specialist in politics, employment, economics, courses, and other topics, he is also the editor of the CPG portal. Professional registration: 0087134/SP. If you have any questions, wish to report an error, or suggest a story idea related to the topics covered on the website, please contact via email: alisson.hficher@outlook.com. We do not accept résumés!

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