Invasions, Fences, Plantations, and Illegal Networks: Investigation Reveals Serious Risks in North-South Railway

Written by Romário Pereira de Carvalho

Published on 09/06/2025 at 16:05

Updated on 09/06/2025 at 16:06

Foto: Divulgação/PPI.Gov.Br

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Study Identifies 73 Invaded Areas and 541 Interferences on the North-South Railway, Endangering Train Safety and Operation

The North-South Railway, which traverses Brazil from Maranhão to São Paulo, faces a severe problem of invasions and interferences. Along its 2,250 kilometers, hundreds of irregular occupations have already been identified, jeopardizing rail traffic and operational safety.

Between January and May of this year, a study was conducted to map the so-called “remaining areas” of the railway. These lands were expropriated during the construction phase but were not directly utilized by the tracks.

They are located within the domain area, an 80-meter-wide zone, with 40 meters on each side of the railway line.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

73 Areas Already Have Irregular Occupations

A total of 662 areas were inspected between January 16 and May 16, 2025. In 73 of them, invasions were found. The forms of occupation vary: houses, constructions, fences, crops, and animal husbandry illegally occupy the lands near the tracks.

Of these areas, 44 generated detailed technical records, with land documents and occupant identification. The cases were classified according to severity: 31 were considered very severe, 12 severe, and 1 serious. The classification mainly takes into account the proximity of the occupations to the tracks.

Interferences in Networks and Roads Also Worry

In addition to the occupations, the survey found 541 irregular interferences along the railway. Unauthorized electrical network crossings, openings of rural roads, and unauthorized rail crossings were identified.

Out of this total, 57 situations were classified as very severe, 473 as severe, and 11 as serious.

The main concern is the proximity of these interferences to the tracks. The presence of constructions, networks, and activities so close to the railway increases the risk of accidents and hinders the operation and maintenance of the railway.

Diagnosis Seeks Solutions for Land Ownership Liabilities

The survey is part of a larger diagnosis that seeks to assess the land situation of the North-South Railway. The study aims to identify expropriation pending issues, map invasions, and suggest actions to regularize the occupied lands.

The North-South Railway was built with public resources and is considered the backbone of rail transport in Brazil. Its network is divided into three segments operated by private companies.

How the Railway Network is Divided

The “North Segment,” between Açailândia (MA) and Porto Nacional (TO), is 720 kilometers long and is managed by VLI. The “Central Segment,” covering 855 kilometers from Porto Nacional to Anápolis (GO), is under the responsibility of Rumo Logística. The same Rumo also operates the “South Segment,” which is 682 kilometers long, between Ouro Verde de Goiás (GO) and Estrela D’Oeste (SP).

Furthermore, the federal government has resumed the railway expansion project. A new section, measuring 477 kilometers, is in the study phase for bidding. The expansion would connect Açailândia (MA) to Barcarena in Pará, near the port of Vila do Conde.

Infra S.A. Awaits Completion of the Study

When approached for comments on the situation, Infra S.A. stated that it has not yet received the final report. The delivery is scheduled for June 16.

“After receiving the documentation, which as of today is still being developed, we will proceed with the analysis of the study in question and evaluate the necessary administrative and judicial measures,” said the state-owned company.

ANTT (National Agency for Land Transport), which oversees the railway sector, reported that it already conducts periodic inspections to ensure compliance with contractual obligations, including the preservation of the domain area.

According to the agency, concessionaires will be required to take all necessary measures. “The agency has not yet had access to the study commissioned by Infra S.A., but states that upon reviewing the material, it will consider it in exercising its legal and regulatory competencies, addressing the identified cases directly with the concessionaires and Infra itself,” it added.

Rumo and VLI Detail Monitoring Actions

The concessionaires also commented on the preventive measures adopted. Rumo reported that it regularly monitors the domain area, as outlined in its contract, to ensure the safety of railway operations and neighboring communities.

VLI explained that its security team conducts frequent preventive patrols along the network under its responsibility.

When irregular occupations are detected, extrajudicial notifications are issued to the occupants. According to the company, most cases are resolved without the need for legal action. When necessary, actions for repossession are taken.

The company also stated that it develops educational campaigns with nearby communities. The objective is to inform the population about the risks and legal implications of occupying areas close to the railway.

Study Conclusion Will Define Next Steps

The complete report with all the gathered information is expected to be finalized in June. With the completion of the diagnosis, the authorities and companies involved will be able to take the necessary administrative and judicial measures to address the invasions and ensure the safety of railway operations on the North-South line.

Invasions, Fences, Plantations, and Illegal Networks: Investigation Reveals Serious Risks in North-South Railway

Study Identifies 73 Invaded Areas and 541 Interferences on the North-South Railway, Endangering Train Safety and Operation

73 Areas Already Have Irregular Occupations

Interferences in Networks and Roads Also Worry

Diagnosis Seeks Solutions for Land Ownership Liabilities

How the Railway Network is Divided

Infra S.A. Awaits Completion of the Study

Rumo and VLI Detail Monitoring Actions

Study Conclusion Will Define Next Steps

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Invasions, Fences, Plantations, and Illegal Networks: Investigation Reveals Serious Risks in North-South Railway

Study Identifies 73 Invaded Areas and 541 Interferences on the North-South Railway, Endangering Train Safety and Operation

73 Areas Already Have Irregular Occupations

Interferences in Networks and Roads Also Worry

Diagnosis Seeks Solutions for Land Ownership Liabilities

How the Railway Network is Divided

Infra S.A. Awaits Completion of the Study

Rumo and VLI Detail Monitoring Actions

Study Conclusion Will Define Next Steps

While an average building in London or New York takes three years to be completed, in China a 26-story tower went up in five days with about 100 workers, and the global modular construction market already moves US$ 95 billion per year.

A Chinese factory in Guangdong is assembling a humanoid robot every 30 minutes while Tesla, Figure, and Boston Dynamics still struggle to deliver 10 thousand per year.

Australia installs giant concrete structures on the seabed 800 meters from the shore to create an ocean intake for desalination that will draw in saltwater and produce 30 million liters of drinking water per day.

Secret chamber sealed 4,500 years ago found in the Pyramid of Khufu, and Hawass announces its opening to the world in 2026

A public school student single-handedly created a machine capable of treating water for up to 50 people using only solar energy. It was awarded third place at one of the most important science fairs in the world.

Germany installed vertical solar panels on a lake in Bavaria, and the result broke conventional logic: instead of producing energy at midday peak, the plant generates more early in the morning and in the evening, exactly when families turn on appliances and factories are in full swing.

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