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The court suspended the construction of the R$ 15 billion railway Logistics course in Mato Grosso, highlighting environmental and social risks. The project, which was supposed to create 162 jobs and facilitate the flow of grain, now faces an uncertain future.
One of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in Brazil, the construction of the FATO railway (Olacyr de Moraes Authorized Transport Railway), suffered a severe blow this Tuesday (30).
This because Rondonópolis Justice ordered the immediate suspension of works, a billion-dollar investment that promised to connect Mato Grosso to important logistical and commercial centers.
The decision was taken by judge Milene Aparecida Pereira Beltramini, from the Third Civil Court of Rondonópolis, and responds to a public civil action filed by the local City Hall.
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The court order highlights that Rumo Logística, the company responsible for the project, changed the original route of the railway, bringing it closer to the urban area without the due process of public consultation or assessment of environmental and social impacts.
Motivations and consequences of the court decision
The change in the railway route, which would now pass at a distance of just 40 to 50 meters from the urban area of Rondonópolis, raised serious concerns.
According to the City Hall and the magistrate, the new route represents a significant risk for the population .
“Railway constructions are normally in locations far from the urban perimeter, as the sounds emitted by the machines cause discomfort to people and animals,” said Judge Beltramini.
She also highlighted that, if the proximity to a military area was considered a risk by the company, the same care should be applied to the city's residents.
Impacts of the suspension of railway construction
With an estimated cost of between R$14 and R$15 billion, the suspension of the work is not only a financial obstacle for Rumo Logística, but also a logistical challenge for the state.
The project was seen as a vital solution for the flow of agricultural and industrial production from Mato Grosso, one of the largest grain producers in the country.
Additionally, we bring expected to generate more than 160 thousand jobs during the construction phase is now on hold, impacting the local economy.
The judge determined that, before any resumption of works, a public hearing must be held with the population and technical opinions must be obtained from environmental agencies.
The daily fine for non-compliance with the suspension is R$50, a significant amount that puts pressure on Rumo to resolve the situation quickly.
Reactions and next steps
Rumo Logística, through its official website, highlighted the importance of the project for the state's infrastructure and its willingness to comply with all legal requirements.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to the sustainability and safety of operations, but has not yet released details about how it plans to respond to the court ruling.
The suspension of works raises questions about the future of logistics in Mato Grosso and the state's ability to remain competitive in the national and international agribusiness scenario.
Will Rumo be able to adjust the project to meet legal and social demands without compromising the economic viability of the railway? Leave your opinion in the comments!
