Mayors from the southern part of Rio de Janeiro state are planning to revive the Atlantic Forest Tourist Train. The project promises to revolutionize tourism, boost the local economy and promote the history of railways. Will this be the triumphant return of rail tourism?
Amid debates about regional development and historical preservation, an audacious project promises to transform tourism and logistics in the South of Rio de Janeiro.
The proposal for reimplementation of the Tourist Train The Atlantic Forest is attracting the interest of mayors and enthusiasts, who see the initiative as a unique opportunity to revitalize the local economy and promote rail tourism. But is this dream about to become a reality?
Mayors unite for railway project
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Last Friday (10), mayors of seven cities in the South of Rio de Janeiro met to discuss the reactivation of the railway axis that connects the region to the Costa Verde.
The mayors of Volta Redonda, Antonio Francisco Neto, of Barra Mansa, Luiz Furlani, of Quatis, Aluรญsio D'Elias, of Rio Claro, Babton Biondi, of Angra dos Reis, Claudio Ferreti, and of Piraรญ, Luiz Fernando Pezรฃo, were present.
State deputy Munir Neto also participated in the meeting, reinforcing political support for the initiative.
This collective movement demonstrates the commitment of local leaders to seek solutions for regional development, involving different sectors of society.
Coffee and Limestone Route: logistical and economic boost
The project aims to implement the โCoffee and Limestone Routeโ, a railway corridor connecting Varginha (MG) to Angra dos Reis (RJ).
The proposal involves the requalification of the Varginha/Bhering (Lavras, MG) and Barra Mansa sections to the Port of Angra, facilitating the flow of Minas Gerais commodities, especially coffee, which represents around 40% of national production.
In addition to coffee, limestone transportation will also be optimized, benefiting several industrial and agro-industrial sectors in the region.
Strategic investment for railway revitalization
Pรฉricles Aguiar, president of the Regional Development Agency (ADR) of Southern Fluminense, explained that the Ferrovia Centro-Atlรขntica (FCA) is returning railway sections to the National Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT), including segments in Rio de Janeiro.
The return requires payment of compensation of $ 3,5 billion.
Part of this amount could be invested in the reconstruction of the line between Barra Mansa and Angra dos Reis, estimated at R $ million 600.
This investment will be crucial to modernize the infrastructure and ensure safety and efficiency in the transportation of passengers and cargo.
Positive economic impacts for the region
Delmo Pinho, advisor to the presidency of Fecomรฉrcio-RJ, highlighted the positive impact of the rail link.
โThis connection will transform cargo and passenger logistics, attracting industries and companies to the South of Rio de Janeiro,โ stated.
The expectation is that the region will benefit from the increase in tourist flow and economic dynamism.
The project will also contribute to the generation of direct and indirect jobs, boosting local trade and the services sector.
Challenges and perspectives for the implementation of the project
Despite the enthusiasm, the project faces logistical and bureaucratic challenges.
The complexity of railway requalification works requires detailed planning and coordination between different spheres of government.
Raising funds and environmental regularization are also critical points for the execution of works.
Agenda with the federal government
To advance negotiations, the mayors contacted the Minister of Transport, Renan Filho.
It was agreed that the minister would visit the region at the end of January or beginning of February, to get to know the project in person and assess the investment possibilities.
This rapprochement with the federal government is essential to guarantee resources and technical support.
Railway tourism: a historical and economic rescue
The reactivation of the Tourist Train of the Atlantic Forest does not just represent a logistical advance.
This is an opportunity to rescue the region's railway history, encourage sustainable tourism and promote economic development in an integrated manner.
The project unites past and future, creating a new chapter for the South of Rio de Janeiro. The return of the tourist train also opens doors for partnerships with the private sector and historical preservation organizations.
And you, do you think that the reactivation of the Tourist Train could boost the region's economy and tourism? Leave your opinion in the comments!
Tourism ON rails?
No, my dear Afonso Mariano Alves. It will be on the tracks and not under them.
Will we have the happiness of going from Barra Mansa to Sรฃo Vicente de Minas again?