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Paraná Is About to Auction More Than 1,200 Km of Highways, with Billion-Dollar Investments in Duplications, Operational Improvements, and Technological Innovations. ANTT Promises a Concession Model That Combines Fair Pricing and Work Guarantees.
Who would have thought that highways, a topic that seems so ordinary and commonplace, could move billions and intensify disputes among major companies? Paraná is preparing for a historic transformation in its road system, and the numbers involved in this process impress even the most skeptical.
The promise of duplications, modernizations, and technological innovations is set to impact the lives of millions of drivers and businesses that depend on the state’s roads. However, behind this gigantic auction lies much more than simple construction: we are talking about a change that could redefine transportation in southern Brazil.
In December 2024, all eyes will be on the auction of lots 3 and 6 of Paraná’s highways, which together encompass more than 1,200 km of state and federal highways.
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According to the notice published by the National Land Transportation Agency (ANTT), these two blocks are strategic for the state and will receive investments exceeding R$ 35 billion over the next 30 years. The lots cover regions such as Campos Gerais, Vale do Ivaí, North, Central-South, West, and Southwest, integrating an ambitious modernization plan.
What Is at Stake in the December Auction?
Scheduled to take place at the Stock Exchange (B3), the auction will occur on two dates: December 12 for Lot 3 and December 19 for Lot 6. The initial toll fees were set at R$ 0.14596/km (Lot 3) and R$ 0.17578/km (Lot 6).
Interested parties must submit their proposals by December 9 (Lot 3) and December 16 (Lot 6). According to ANTT, additional clarifications can be requested until September 26, 2024.
The sections to be granted include 500 km of duplications, as well as road detours, intersections, and operational improvements such as escape areas, bike lanes, wildlife crossings, pedestrian bridges, and even bus stops.
This package also includes state-of-the-art technologies for monitoring and safety, such as OCR cameras for license plate recognition, automatic weighing systems, incident detection, and variable message boards.
Innovations and Safety Guarantees on Highways
One of the biggest innovations is the advancement of the electronic toll collection system, the Free Flow, which will allow toll collection without physical barriers, bringing more fluidity and convenience for drivers.
ANTT also confirmed that the dangerous mountain stretches will receive lighting for increased safety, totaling nearly 36 km of illuminated roads across the two lots.
Connectivity will be one of the key points of this new concession phase. According to the planning, there will be real-time weather monitoring, ensuring greater predictability for drivers and minimizing risks on the roads.
The Challenges of the Concession Model
The concession model adopted by the Government of Paraná for these highways has remained true to its principles, combining fair pricing with guarantees of essential works and open competition.
According to ANTT, the proposal was widely debated in public consultations and included active participation from highway users. There were thousands of contributions that helped shape the program, setting a record in processes conducted by the agency.
In the auction model, bids will be contested based on the lowest fee per kilometer traveled, requiring an initial contribution in case of high discounts.
Starting from a 18% discount, contributions begin at R$ 110 million for Lot 3 and R$ 128 million for Lot 6, progressively increasing as the discount reaches higher thresholds, potentially exceeding 30%.
Billion-Dollar Investments Ahead
Lot 3, known as Malha Norte, encompasses highways that connect northern Paraná to the Port of Paranaguá, the main export hub of the state.
In total, there will be 569 km of highways, with projected investments of R$ 16 billion for duplications and improvements, including the creation of five road detours, such as the one in Ponta Grossa, which will have 27.7 km in length. Benefiting cities include Londrina, Apucarana, Arapongas, and Ponta Grossa, all crucial for the state’s agricultural and industrial output.
On the other hand, Lot 6 covers 646.3 km of highways that traverse Paraná from West to Southwest, highlighting the BR-277, which runs from Foz do Iguaçu to the coast.
This lot will receive R$ 20.2 billion, focusing on duplicating 462 km, which will bring significant improvements in safety and traffic flow of heavy vehicles in the region. The project also includes the construction of a detour in Marmeleiro, a strategic city for southwestern Paraná.
A New Chapter for Paraná Highways
With the first concession lots already in operation by the concessionaires Via Araucária and EPR Litoral Pioneiro, the expectation is that the model will be expanded to all of Paraná. Additional lots, such as 4 and 5, are scheduled to be auctioned in 2025, completing a plan of 3.3 thousand km of granted roads.
It remains to be seen: how will these billion-dollar investments impact mobility in the state? Will Paraná be able to transform its highways into an example for Brazil? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Isso aí só vira em cortar grama na beira da estrada eles não cumpre os contratos ficaram 24 anos cobrando pedágios e não fizeram nada essa passagem de Cascavel mesmo isso é uma vergonha
Kkkk quantos anos você tem Alisson? Essa “Estória” eu escutei em 1998 , exatos 26 anos. O Jaime Lerner foi na tv, mostrou planilhas e disse que as estradas do Paraná seriam todas duplicadas até 2008 e o Paraná seria um estado de primeiro mundo kkkk pagamos pedagios durante 25 anos e nada.