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Concessionaire plans to invest R$3,2 billion in 200 km stretch, EF-118, while foreign investors show interest in the project
MRS Logística, operator of the Southeast Network, announced its interest in financing the construction of a strategic section of the 118 Railway (EF-118), which will connect Anchieta, in Espírito Santo, to the Port of Açu, in Rio de Janeiro. The planned investment is R$3,2 billion, part of a broader plan to modernize national rail transport and strengthen the flow of cargo between states. The railway is considered essential for integrating ports and industrial centers, reducing dependence on road transport and improving export logistics.
The project is part of the negotiations for renewal early concession of the Southeast Network, as explained by Leonardo Cezar Ribeiro, National Secretary of Railway Transportation. According to him, MRS will provide the necessary resources for the work, but the construction will be carried out by the concessionaire that wins the auction, scheduled for the end of 2025. “This is an innovative approach to make large railway projects viable without compromising the public budget,” highlighted Ribeiro.
Interest of foreign investors and Vale's participation
In addition to MRS Logística, Arab and Chinese groups have also shown interest in the EF-118. According to industry sources, international investors are evaluating the railway as a strategic opportunity to strengthen port logistics in Brazil. The central section of the project, which is approximately 170 kilometers long between Anchieta and São João da Barra, will pass through Porto Central, in Presidente Kennedy, one of the country's future logistics hubs.
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Vale has already confirmed the construction of an 80-kilometer railway section connecting Santa Leopoldina to Anchieta, which will facilitate the integration of the EF-118 with the Vitória-Minas Railway (EFVM). The mining company estimates an investment of R$6 billion in this segment of the railway, reinforcing its commitment to railway expansion in Brazil.
Technical details and impact of EF-118
Railway 118 (EF-118), also known as the Vitória-Rio Railway, has a planned route of 577,8 kilometers, crossing 25 municipalities between Nova Iguaçu (RJ) and Cariacica (ES). The project foresees mixed gauge (1,00 m and 1,60 m) in some sections and broad gauge (1,60 m) in most of the route, ensuring compatibility with other railway networks already existing in Brazil.
Among the planned structures for the railway are six tunnels, 43 railway viaducts, 130 bridges, 128 road viaducts, 117 underpasses and 60 footbridges. These investments are part of the effort to modernize the logistics infrastructure, increase Brazil's competitiveness in foreign trade and reduce operating costs in the production sector.
Our country has woken up from its deep logistical coma. From now on, it is time to invest in port infrastructure and transportation systems to face the promising future that lies ahead. A country that lives at the mercy of exorbitant interest rates, charged by a voracious financial system, cannot survive. Investing, building, industrializing and operating the giant potential of this nation is the solution.