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With Billions in Investments Expected and the Promise of Thousands of Jobs, Vale’s New Railway Segment Will Connect Cities in Espírito Santo, Revolutionizing Logistics, Expanding Freight Transport, and Marking a New Chapter in the Infrastructure of Espírito Santo and Southeast Brazil.
One of the largest investments in railway infrastructure in recent years in Espírito Santo is about to come to fruition.
The mining company Vale S.A. announced that it will allocate R$ 7.43 billion for the construction of the Anchieta Branch of the Vitória to Minas Railway (EFVM), a project that promises to transform logistics in the Southeast and generate approximately 5 thousand direct and indirect jobs during the works, which are expected to last around 50 months.
The information was published by the newspaper A Gazeta, which revealed unprecedented details about the project.
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With the start of construction scheduled for 2028, the new railway segment will have 99.3 kilometers in length, connecting the municipality of Santa Leopoldina to Anchieta, on the coast of Espírito Santo, and passing through six cities in the state.
The project not only strengthens the transportation of iron ore and general cargo but also marks the beginning of a strategic link between Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro, thanks to future integration with the EF 118 railway, which is set to be auctioned by the end of this year.
According to the Environmental Impact Report (Rima), presented by Vale to the State Institute of the Environment and Water Resources (Iema) in April 2025, the project includes the construction of tunnels and bridges — both railway and road — to ensure the efficiency of the new branch.
In addition to the Rima, an application for Prior License and the Environmental Impact Study (EIA) have been filed, essential documents for the environmental analysis, which are currently under technical evaluation as per legal deadlines.
The expectation is that the new branch will have the capacity to transport up to 15 million tons of cargo per year, covering grains, fuels, agricultural inputs, and iron ore, as well as boosting regional development, improving the safety of cargo transport, and reducing the flow of trucks on Espírito Santo’s highways.
This expansion is seen as strategic for the modernization of the Brazilian logistics sector and could result in environmental gains by reducing pollutant emissions from road transport.
Rail Investment in Espírito Santo
According to information from the National Land Transport Agency (ANTT), Vale S.A. submitted the executive project regarding the segment between Cariacica and the Port of Ubu, in Anchieta, to the agency in August 2023.
Since then, ANTT has forwarded a consultation to the Ministry of Transport to confirm whether the Anchieta branch will continue as an additional investment to the original EFVM contract.
After the official response, progress can be made in the proceedings for a contractual addendum, a necessary step for the start of the works.
The Ministry of Transport was contacted for a comment on the proposal but had not responded by the time this report was finalized.
Job Creation and Social Impact
The generation of approximately 5 thousand jobs directly and indirectly over more than four years of construction represents an important boost for the local economy.
There is an expectation to stimulate productive chains, invigorate commerce, and provide opportunities for workers in the construction industry and specialized technical fields.
According to the Environmental Impact Report, the presence of the railway is also expected to strengthen the economies of the six municipalities along the route, both through the circulation of goods and the attraction of investment.
Vale S.A.’s estimate indicates that the total amount of R$ 7.43 billion will be applied to heavy infrastructure works, equipment acquisition, control systems, and environmental compensations.
According to the mining company, the resources reinforce the commitment to sustainable development and expand the national railway network, considered essential for the competitiveness of the Brazilian mineral sector.
Espírito Santo Logistics and the Future of Transport
In addition to the Anchieta branch, the expected integration with the future EF 118 creates a promising perspective for the expansion of railway transport between Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro.
This could benefit export logistics and the distribution of products on a large scale.
Vale’s project is closely monitored by authorities, technicians, and investors in the infrastructure sector, who view the project as a response to the demands for modernization and increased logistical efficiency in Brazil.
As it advances to a new phase of cargo mobility, Espírito Santo positions itself as a protagonist in the construction of a broader, more efficient railway network aligned with international transport standards.
And you, do you believe that the expansion of railways can truly change the logistical and economic landscape of Brazil, reducing dependence on road transport?
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