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A new train could revolutionize the connection between São Paulo and the coast! With a journey of up to 130 km and an estimated travel time of 90 minutes, the Intercity Train (TIC) Eixo Sul promises to benefit millions of people and relieve pressure on highways.
A new train line promised by the government of São Paulo can change mobility between the capital of São Paulo and Baixada Santista.
The project, known as Intercity Train (TIC) South Axis, aims to connect metropolitan regions via a modern railway, reducing travel time and relieving congestion on congested highways.
According to information released by the Secretariat of Partnerships and Investments (SPI), the auction and the signing of the contract are expected to take place in 2027.
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However, the exact route is still under study and could be between 80 km and 130 km, covered in about 90 minutes.
If implemented, the TIC Eixo Sul will directly benefit nine municipalities and about 1,8 million people, in addition to generating approximately 13 jobs during its execution.
In addition, the new train promises to alleviate the intense traffic of the Anchieta-Immigrants System (SAI), the main road link between the capital and the coast of São Paulo.
Route options studied
So far, two main route alternatives are being evaluated to make the TIC Eixo Sul viable.
Each of them presents technical and logistical challenges that are being analyzed by the state government and railway infrastructure experts.
1. Line 10 – Turquoise and rack system
One possibility is to use the Line 10 – Turquoise of the São Paulo Metropolitan Train Company (CPTM), which operates between São Paulo and Rio Grande da Serra.
From there, the railway connection would follow the existing route to Paranapiacaba, descending the mountain range via the rack system.
This system, historically designed to transport cargo and passengers, consists of a special mechanism that allows movement on steep terrain.
This alternative takes advantage of existing railway infrastructure, reducing construction costs and implementation time.
However, the capacity of the rack system can be a limiting factor for the operation of modern, higher-speed trains.
2. Route via the South Zone of São Paulo
Another possibility would be a route passing through South Zone of the capital of São Paulo, with two route options:
- Follow by Rodovia dos Immigrantes, integrating into a parallel railway branch.
- Use the Line 9 – Emerald from CPTM, connecting to an old railway towards Parelheiros.
In both scenarios, the descent of Serra do Mar would occur in a section that has already been studied for the construction of a highway between Parelheiros and Itanhaém.
The information has been confirmed by Secretary of Partnerships and Investments, Rafael Benini, in an interview with Rádio Bandeirantes.
If this route is chosen, the route would follow the following sections:
- Beginning of the Parelheiros Ecotourism Road, close to the intersection with Avenida Fernando da Cruz Alves.
- South-north direction, following the old Evangelista de Souza – Santo Amaro Railway.
- Descent from the mountain along the western bank of the Capivari River Valley, within the territory of São Paulo.
- Crossing the Branquinho River Valley, using tunnels or cuts in the Serra do Mar.
- Continuation through the valleys of the Aguapeú and Branco rivers, until reaching the coast, connecting to the old Santos-Cajati railway.
Economic and urban impacts
The implementation of the TIC Eixo Sul can bring significant impacts not only on mobility, but also on the regional economy.
The generation of direct and indirect jobs during the construction and operation of the train will be one of the main positive economic factors, moving sectors such as civil construction, engineering, transport and tourism.
Another crucial point will be the highway relief, especially in the flow between Sao Paulo and Santos, which today faces constant traffic jams, especially during holidays and summer seasons.
A fast, efficient train could attract a large volume of passengers, reducing dependence on cars and buses.
Furthermore, real estate appreciation in the area surrounding the stations will be a natural consequence.
Regions that currently have little public transport infrastructure can receive new investments, increasing the quality of life and accessibility for thousands of residents.
When should the project come to fruition?
Although the forecast for the auction is 2027, the official schedule is still subject to revision.
Technical and environmental studies need to be completed before the final route is defined.
After the design phase and regulatory approvals are completed, the works can take about five years to complete, considering previous experiences with railway infrastructure in Brazil.
The implementation of the Intercity Train South Axis represents a opportunity historic to modernize mobility in the state and transform the relationship between the capital of São Paulo and the coast.
We just have to wait for the next steps of the project to find out which route will be chosen and when passengers will finally be able to count on this new means of transport.
