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Abandoned for more than 20 years, the train station, a symbol of Brazilian railway history, could become the new city hall.
For more than two decades, the old Bauru train station, a symbol of Railroad Northwest of Brazil, remained without receiving passengers, immersed in abandonment and degradation.
Now, the mayor Suéllen Rosim (PSD) presents a bold plan: revitalize the space and transform it into the new administrative headquarters of the city hall.
The proposal marks a possible new beginning for a building with great historical value, which was previously part of one of the most emblematic of the country.
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According to the mayor, the transformation of the space into administrative headquarters It is not just a question of historical value, but a management strategy to reduce costs and increase the circulation of people in the surrounding area.
“The building, with its three floors, will be able to accommodate the main municipal departments, which will help to cut rental expenses and revitalize the area,” explained Suéllen in one of her posts.
This is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and the region's security.
According to Folha de S. Paul, the building, today deteriorated and covered in rubble, abandoned wagons and graffiti, is located in a central and important area of the city.
The space, which in the past was the scene of a high flow of passengers and commercial activities, can, once again, generate economic movement if the project progresses as planned.
City Hall foresees partnerships and studies for feasibility
The idea of transforming the space began to gain momentum soon after Suéllen took office in 2021.
A study and concessions center was created to evaluate the fate of the Noroeste railway station, with proposals ranging from a shopping center to the possibility of private concessions to use the area.
In a survey carried out at the time, the cost of adapting the building for administrative use was estimated at more than R$30 million, a value updated today to approximately R$34,3 million, according to IPCA indexes.
In an interview, the mayor highlighted that the idea of revitalization matured over time and that, to make the project viable, were made partnerships and studies on other historical preservation initiatives.
One example was the recovery project of Campinas railway yard, visited by Suéllen and her team to seek inspiration and analyze the viability of the project.
International interest and reactivation of transport
During a visit of Chinese businessmen in early 2024, new ideas were discussed, including the possibility of resuming the use of rails for urban transport.
The proposal is that, when revitalizing the station, it is also possible to implement a Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) in the city, increasing the connection of the central region with other areas.
Although the idea still depends on studies and investments, the visit opened doors to international partnerships, strengthening expectations of transforming the station not only in an administrative center, but in a new point of urban mobility.
History and symbolism of the railway: the “Death Train”
The history of The Northwest Railway of Brazil is deeply intertwined with the development of Bauru.
Connecting Bauru to Corumbá (MS), the railway was known as “Death Train” due to the high incidence of accidents and transport of sick people along their route.
The Brazilian line was part of a route that extended to Santa Cruz de la Sierra, in Bolivia, where accidents and operational problems were common.
From the 1960s onwards, the railroad faced a decline in investments, resulting in the gradual closure of stations.
Currently, according to Folha de S. Paulo, of the 122 stations that made up the line, around 80 have been demolished or are abandoned, in an advanced state of deterioration.
Impacts on the city and future of the project
With the promise of revitalization, The mayor and her team hope that the project will help restore Bauru's historical and economic importance., transforming the train station into a landmark of municipal administration and a point of urban development.
However, the city hall's project is not without its challenges, as it still needs a solid plan to attract the necessary financing and consolidate partnerships, in addition to depending on approval from historical heritage preservation bodies.
On your social networks, Suéllen stressed that she wants to move forward quickly with the project, stating that the new city hall will be “a watershed” for the city, bringing back movement and respect for a space that was once vital to the population.
In your opinion, should the train station be reactivated or is the city hall right to use the site as municipal headquarters? Leave your answer in the comments! Until next time, reader!
Great idea. Bauru has everything to gain
Do you want to know what will become of the city hall headquarters there? A huge parking lot for cars and that's it. Each one in its place there is for the train, man. Whether for passengers, VLT or cargo... we know that it is being abandoned but demand that the federal government take strong measures against the railway concessionaire that simply USED, ABUSED AND THREW ALL THIS IN THE TRASH... which was super active when it took over this stretch of this yard.
I really admire this mayor
And she is right, the station is abandoned and we need to invest in the location and enhance the city center.
It will be a very beautiful city hall
Excellent provision!
Go ahead with your actions, mayor.
👏👏👏👏👏
I always thought of seeing this place as a bus terminal. It's a shame that people have to stay on Rodrigues Alves, getting sun and rain.
All passengers along Rodrigues in front of the station? What do you mean?