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With the Duplication of Highways in Paraná, the Toll Will Increase by 40%! Business Owners and Entities Demand Transparency and Contract Compliance, While Consumers Fear the Impact on Product Prices. Want to Know How This Affects You? Check Out All the Details of This Controversy!
The future of highways in Paraná is being shaped by significant changes, mainly concerning tolls.
What many drivers do not know is that the long-awaited duplication of the roads will bring with it a 40% increase in the toll rate, something that still generates debates and concerns among different sectors of society.
The project promises to transform the state’s infrastructure, but the economic implications of this transformation need to be carefully analyzed.
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The Federation of Industries of the State of Paraná (Fiep) has been closely monitoring the implementation process of the new toll system, keeping a close eye on contracts and bidding documents.
According to Edson Vasconcelos, president of Fiep, the entity has been actively working to ensure that the interests of the population and the industry are protected.
Vasconcelos explained that Fiep is in constant dialogue with ANTT (National Agency for Land Transport) and the Court of Auditors to ensure that changes in the contract are beneficial for society.
“We are closely monitoring all contracts and bidding documents. We try to identify any deviations in the processes, as we have done in the past, especially regarding batches 1 and 2, where we found that what was presented in public hearings did not always correspond to what was actually included in the contracts, especially regarding connectivity and preliminary services”, said Vasconcelos.
He also mentioned that there have been changes to the penalties for the companies responsible for the works.
In batches 3 and 6, for example, a new form of penalty was established in case the project is not delivered on time.
According to the new contract, companies will not be able to charge tolls for duplicated highways until the work is completely finished.
“Now, the toll charge will only be allowed after the complete delivery of the work, which is an important change. When a project is not completed on time, the company may be reimbursed for part of the toll that was charged while the work was not ready”, explained Vasconcelos.
Still, Fiep is not just observing but also acting to ensure that the population has access to information and that the works progress as planned.
To this end, the federation is developing the Concession Observatory, a platform that will allow public monitoring of the works, providing transparency and ease of access to information.
“We want the whole society to get involved. The movement needs to be wide-ranging, involving more than a single entity. It is important that everyone in the state comes together to demand compliance with the schedules”, stated the president of Fiep.
The Duplication of Highways: More Investments and New Challenges
The duplication of highways in Western Paraná, in particular, is seen as an opportunity for the region’s economic development.
For Siro Canabarro, president of Acic (Cascavel Commercial and Industrial Association), improving road infrastructure is crucial for attracting more industries and facilitating the flow of local production.
“With the duplications, we expect the region to receive a large number of investments. The duplication will facilitate the transport of goods, which is essential for the local economy”, Canabarro stated.
In addition, he highlighted that Acic will closely monitor the compliance with the works, especially regarding the construction of overpasses and pedestrian bridges outlined in the concession contract.
“A total of 100 works are planned, including overpasses and pedestrian bridges. This number is significant, and the company responsible for the project is obligated to meet the deadlines. Otherwise, we will be ready to demand the execution of the projects”, said the president of Acic.
However, not everyone shares the same optimistic view regarding the consequences of the toll increase.
Canabarro recalled that once the duplication works are completed, toll rates will increase by 40%, known as the tariff step.
Although investments in infrastructure are necessary, this increase may directly impact the wallets of drivers and consumers.
“It is important to note that after the duplication, there will be this 40% increase in the toll rate, which will undoubtedly affect the amount paid by users”, Canabarro warned.
He also emphasized the magnitude of the investments needed for the completion of the work, especially in the Southwest regions, where the topography requires more work due to the presence of rivers and other natural difficulties.
The Impact on the Transport Sector and the Final Consumer
Antônio Carlos Ruyz, president of Sintropar (Union of Workers in Road Freight Transport of the State of Paraná), expressed concerns regarding the impact of toll rates on the transport sector.
According to Ruyz, the increase in the toll rate will inevitably result in higher operational costs for carriers, which, in turn, will be passed on to final consumers.
“When the toll is actually charged, we, as consumers, will be responsible for covering the costs. This will directly affect the prices of the products we buy at the supermarket, pharmacy, gas station, and more”, Ruyz explained.
The president of Sintropar also highlighted the importance of ensuring that the planned works are delivered on time, as the effectiveness of the new toll system directly depends on the completion of the duplication works and improvements in road infrastructure.
“It is crucial that the works for overpasses, pedestrian bridges, and other items outlined in the contract are fulfilled, as this will help to justify the increase in tariffs. We are alert to ensure that the companies meet their commitments”, Ruyz stated.
Expectations for the Near Future
As the deadline for the completion of the works approaches, society eagerly awaits the changes in the toll system and the impacts they will have for both drivers and consumers.
The CGN team has been closely monitoring the progress of the new tariffs, which are expected to begin being charged starting in April this year.
In the meantime, Fiep, Acic, and Sintropar continue to closely monitor the processes, always striving to ensure that the interests of citizens and businesses in Paraná are respected and that the benefits of the duplication works are effectively delivered to the population.
Starting in April, Paraná will see a new scenario on its highways, with higher tolls, but also with the promise of a more modern and efficient road infrastructure.
It remains to be seen how these changes will affect the daily lives of drivers and how the responsible agencies will ensure that the works and the increases in tariffs are indeed justified by improvements in road quality.
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