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Construction over Rails Became the Target of Controversy. Approved During the Administration of the Former Mayor, the Construction Raises Suspicions About Favoritism and Legality. Involved Companies Were Providing Services to the City Hall. Oversight Is Monitoring the Case, Which Could Have Legal and Political Developments in the Coming Weeks!
A recent project, according to the Marília Notícias portal, has stirred heated debates among residents.
A construction that encroaches on deactivated railroad tracks has brought discussions to the forefront about urban development, use of public spaces, and the boundaries between private interest and the common good.
The city of Marília, known for its rapid growth and infrastructure challenges, now faces a situation that intertwines the past and future, tradition and modernity.
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Construction on Deactivated Railway Generates Controversy
The former mayor Daniel Alonso (PL) is at the center of this controversy.
In December 2024, his administration approved the construction of a 3,618.58 m² masonry building in the northern zone of Marília, intended to function as a construction materials warehouse.
The land, purchased by his family in October 2021 for R$ 3.7 million, spans 2.95 hectares and is strategically located near the railway and the Comandante João Ribeiro de Barros Highway (SP-294).
Although the project was financed with private funds, it encroached on a strip of the railway, which, in theory, is not allowed.
Additionally, the approval of the project took about 40 days, a timeframe considered short and which raised questions about the processing.
The earthwork and paving were carried out by companies that were providing services to the City Hall of Marília in the previous administration. This information was reported by Marília Notícia.
Fast Approval Raises Doubts
The speed of the project approval drew attention. According to Marília Notícia, the Urban Planning Secretariat (SPU) under Alonso’s administration authorized the construction in about 40 days.
However, it is unclear exactly when the project was filed and under what conditions it received approval.
This rapidity is similar to that observed in over 20 large projects approved between October and December 2024, as revealed by the current SPU administration to Marília Notícia.
Intervention on the Railway and Reactions
A critical point of the project is the construction of two passages over the railway. One of them has already been paved, providing access for the future warehouse via Avenida República.
This access was closed with screens on February 10, 2025. Oversight agencies are monitoring the case, which could have political and legal repercussions in the coming weeks.
The company responsible for the railway stated that the level crossings located at Avenida República are irregular. In a statement to Marília Notícia, the company stated:
“In compliance with the obligations booklet of the Malha Paulista, the company is conducting inspections and assessments of the conditions of all level crossings in the region, whether they are official or not. After completing this survey, a visit to the City Hall will be scheduled to align necessary actions. We emphasize that all unofficial crossings will be closed, in accordance with railroad safety regulations.”
Positioning of the Alonso Family
In response to the criticisms, the Alonso family sent a note to Marília Notícia clarifying their position.
They argue that Marília has grown along the railway line and that the relocation of tracks has always been a common practice, utilized even by the public sector itself.
They highlight that the section in question has been abandoned for years, without any project for the resumption of railway transport.
The note mentions that, recently, the Minister of Transport announced the removal of tracks running through cities, a decision of a technical and political nature by the federal government.
The family reaffirms that all actions taken were within the law, following current regulations.
They criticize the stance of the current municipal administration, claiming that the unfounded accusations come from the group currently in power in the city, which seeks to create obstacles for entrepreneurs and hinder the development of Marília.
They clarify that only earthwork and soil drainage are being carried out on site, essential steps to prepare the irregular terrain before construction begins.
The contracted companies are those skilled in performing such services.
Any larger project would hire these companies. They reiterate their commitment to the city’s progress and transparency in their initiatives.
Historical Context and Previous Projects
The relationship of Marília with its railway network is historical. The city developed along the tracks, which for many years were vital for transporting people and goods.
Over time, however, many stretches were deactivated, and areas surrounding the railways underwent transformations.
In 2017, during Daniel Alonso’s administration, a Linear Park project was introduced for Rumo Logística, the company responsible for the railway line that passes through the city.
The goal was to revitalize areas near the tracks, creating leisure spaces for the population and preventing litter accumulation and illegal occupations.
The project envisioned the construction of walking paths, plazas, outdoor gyms, playgrounds, food courts, bike lanes, and tree planting, along with public lighting.
The proposal also included the creation of the “Science Station”, an initiative that would be presented in the following months.
Rumo Logística sought the renewal of the Malha Paulista concession to enable projects like the railway connection Bauru-Marília-Panorama, a route of 350 kilometers.
Future Developments
The current situation raises questions about the use of deactivated railway areas, the process of approval of construction, and transparency in public management.
While the Alonso family defends the legality of their actions and criticizes the stance of the current administration, oversight agencies are analyzing the case, which may have political and legal implications.
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