With more than R$10 billion earmarked for the transportation sectors, the federal government is transforming ports, airports and waterways to meet the growing demand for passengers and cargo.
The federal government is stepping on the gas when it comes to infrastructure investment. In the first six months of this administration, more than R$10 billion in investments were announced for ports, airports and waterways, covering the five regions of Brazil. The idea is to modernize the sectors and improve the efficiency of cargo and passenger transportation. Let's take a look at what's new!
Federal government invests in the aviation sector: Full airports and more affordable tickets
In 2023, Brazilian airports registered a record number of passengers, with more than 43,8 million people passing through the terminals in the first six months. This 15% increase compared to last year shows that the aviation sector is in full swing. And that's not all: the federal government is looking for ways to make air travel more accessible to everyone.
One of the most promising projects is Voa Brasil, which will offer tickets for up to R$200 for INSS retirees and pensioners during the low season. This does not require government subsidies, as the idea is to take advantage of empty seats on domestic flights. Additionally, more than R$100 million was released for the revitalization of regional airports, including cities such as Linhares (ES), Guarujá (SP) and Serra Talhada (PE).
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Another advancement in the sector was the creation of multisensory rooms at Congonhas (SP) and Santos Dumont (RJ) airports. These spaces, designed for people with autism, are an important initiative to promote greater inclusion and make air travel less stressful for everyone.
Billion-dollar investments in the port sector
The port sector is also seeing considerable investment. In the first five months of the year alone, cargo movement in Brazilian ports grew by 4,4%, reaching 495,8 million tons. This is the result of a series of actions promoted by the federal government to expand and modernize ports.
One of the main projects announced is the Santos-Guarujá underwater tunnel, scheduled to begin in 2025. With a length of 1,7 kilometers, this work will be a milestone in the connection between these two cities, benefiting around 70 thousand people. In addition, the federal government announced discounts on tariffs at the Ports of Santos (SP), PortosRio (RJ), Ilhéus (BA) and Rio Grande (RS).
The port sector also benefited from heavy investment, with the signing of six accession contracts totaling R$8,2 billion for new port facilities in states such as Rio Grande do Norte, Pará and Mato Grosso do Sul. This shows the federal government's commitment to boosting the sector, making Brazil more competitive in global trade.
Fast and efficient navigation with new investments in the waterway sector
The waterway sector was not left out of the federal government's investments. From January to June 2023, R$177 million was released to improve navigation on Brazilian waterways. These investments not only facilitated cargo transportation but also increased the flow on rivers such as the Madeira and Tietê.
The dredging of the Madeira River, an investment of R$45,6 million, was one of the most important projects for the transportation of cargo in the Amazon region. Dredging is essential for boats to be able to navigate without problems, even in times of drought. And on the Tietê River, in São Paulo, the government allocated almost R$100 million to resume the demolition of the Nova Avanhandava canal, a project that guarantees the deepening of the canal and the safety of cargo transportation.
These initiatives show how the federal government is committed to exploring the potential of Brazilian rivers for cargo transportation, a more sustainable and economical alternative compared to highways.
What to expect in the coming years?
The federal government has a clear mission: to make the transportation of people and cargo faster and safer throughout the country. With an investment plan that exceeds R$10 billion, the expectation is that Brazil will become a more connected country with modern infrastructure in the coming years.
Investments continue in ports, airports and waterways. With the aviation sector expanding, the port sector receiving new contracts and the waterway sector receiving special attention, the outlook for the future is positive. And, of course, all of this has a direct impact on the economy, with more business opportunities, jobs and logistical efficiency. These investments represent more than just construction and infrastructure: they are the guarantee of a more competitive, modern and accessible Brazil for all.