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The Long-Awaited Line 17-Gold of São Paulo Took Another Step with the Arrival of the First BYD Train. Assembly is Underway and Tests Will Begin Soon. With a Budget of R$ 6 Billion, the Line Promises to Connect Congonhas Airport to Morumbi by 2025.
The city of São Paulo is about to witness a revolution in public transport, and all of this could happen faster than one might imagine.
With a budget approaching R$ 6 billion, Tarcísio de Freitas’ government has ambitious plans for the capital, and the subway is at the heart of these changes.
The first train of Line 17-Gold, designed by the Chinese BYD, has already arrived in Brazil, and assembly is in full swing.
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First Tests and Expectations for 2025
According to the Estadão newspaper, the state government confirmed that around 20 workers are engaged in assembling the first train of Line 17-Gold at the Água Espraiada yard, located in the southern zone of São Paulo.
The parts, which arrived from China on September 9, are already being adjusted so that the vehicle can undergo a series of static and dynamic tests later this year.
According to official information, the process will continue until all systems are in full compliance with the project’s requirements.
If everything goes as planned, the line’s commercial operation could begin in the first half of 2025.
Changes to the Original Project
Although Line 17-Gold was initially supposed to have 18 stations, ten were cut from the original plan.
Currently, the line will have eight operational stations, connecting Congonhas Airport to the Morumbi neighborhood.
The monorail will integrate the southern zone with Line 5-Lilac and Line 9-Emerald, covering a distance of 6.7 km.
Despite the challenges faced, including contractual changes and a change of the company responsible for the works in 2023, the government seems determined to finalize this project that has already suffered several delays over the years.
Final Assembly and Testing Phase
On September 24, the five cars of the first train were placed on the guide beam at the Água Espraiada yard.
The assembly team is now working on installing safety nets, gangways (connecting corridors between cars), and fire detection and suppression systems.
Additionally, other crucial elements, such as compressed air pipes, jumpers for electronic circuits, and brakes, are being adjusted.
Only after these steps can dynamic tests begin, which should take place on the already constructed tracks within the yard.
Innovative Features of the Line 17-Gold Trains
The first train of the line consists of five cars and follows accessibility guidelines, with four 1.6-meter doors on each side.
These trains feature panoramic windows, air conditioning, LED lighting, and surveillance cameras.
Furthermore, the audiovisual communication onboard provides passengers with a dynamic line map and the possibility of direct communication with the Operational Control Center (CCO).
Each train has a capacity of 616 passengers, with priority seating and spaces dedicated to people with disabilities.
The Future of Line 17-Gold: More Promises or Reality?
Despite the uncertainties still surrounding Line 17-Gold, the arrival of the first BYD trains represents an important step for the completion of the project.
According to Tarcísio de Freitas, the current deadline for the full delivery of the line is 2025.
However, delays in infrastructure projects are not new in Brazil, raising questions about the viability of the schedule.
With promises of connecting crucial regions of the city and improving access to the airport, it remains to be seen whether Line 17-Gold will fulfill its role or if it will be yet another project that drags on indefinitely.
And you, do you believe this project will finally be delivered on time, or will we see further delays in the coming months?
Primeiro semestre de 2025 é piada. Essa obra eu aposto que fica pronta em 2030, sendo otimista. Dá para romper e fazer bastante novos contratos de obras, para todos ficarem com os pedaços da pizza.
E ligação com o Jabaquara, que é o que resolveria de fato, lá para 2080 talvez inicie.
Anos perdidos com o PSDB, travaram a expansão do metrô, desviaram o que puderam do Rouboanel, sem contar da máfia das merendas, do pedágio… Agora o Alkimin está onde se sente bem, está na “cena do crime”, se juntando até com terroristas.
Ao menos 3 ou 4 Governadores já pegaram o trem das onze, pq o metrô não parte das pesadas vigas da burocracia obscura das obras, cuja tarifa supera os milhões.