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New Railway Route Promises to Transform Logistics in Santa Catarina with Connection between Itapoá and Joinville, Expanding Access to Ports and Reducing Transport Costs
Santa Catarina may gain a strategic boost in its infrastructure with the construction of a 110 km railway between Itapoá and Joinville. The project has an estimated cost of R$ 2 billion and is part of the “Infrastructure Agenda” of Fiesc, which outlines the main investments needed for the logistics sector in the state.
This railway emerges as an essential solution to connect the Port of Itapoá to the national railway network. Currently, the region relies almost exclusively on road transport, which can create bottlenecks and raise logistical costs. With the new railway, there will be direct access to the railway that links Joinville to the ports of São Francisco do Sul, creating a new alternative for the flow of goods.
Investments and Construction Challenges
Despite the high potential of the railway, the project still faces significant challenges. The main one is the definition of funding sources. The estimated cost is around US$ 300 million, but so far, there is no defined source of resources.
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Fiesc plays an important role by including this project in its “Infrastructure Agenda”, helping to highlight the necessity of investment. However, without a concrete financial commitment, the project remains on paper.
If construction is confirmed, the impacts on the local economy will be significant. The new railway mode could attract investments, reduce transport costs, and boost the competitiveness of the industrial sector in Santa Catarina.
Expansion of the Railway Network in SC
According to NSC Total, the railway between Itapoá and Joinville is not the only project underway. The government of Santa Catarina is also working on developing an executive project for a 62 km connection between Araquari and the ports of Itajaí and Navegantes. This new branch can further strengthen the state’s railway network and provide logistical alternatives for the port and industrial sectors.
Porto Itapoá has requested the National Land Transport Agency (ANTT) for the concession to construct and operate two railways: the link between Itapoá and Araquari and another branch of 83 km between Itapoá and Morretes, in Paraná. If the requests are accepted, new studies will need to be conducted before executing the works.
The Role of the Government and Next Steps in Construction
The government of Santa Catarina has requested the federal government to include studies about this railway in the New PAC (Growth Acceleration Program). If approved, the project could gain new momentum with the support of federal investments.
However, until a definitive decision is made, several factors need to be resolved, including feasibility studies, environmental licensing, and the definition of funding sources. Without these elements, the project may take time to materialize.
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