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The capital takes a leap into the future with the most modern VLT in Brazil. Scheduled to open in 2027, the project will bring 36,4 km of tracks, 34 stops and sustainable technologies. After years of challenges, the capital of Bahia is preparing to revolutionize urban mobility, integrating outskirts and preserving historical landmarks. Learn all about this transformation!
Although large centers such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro attract attention when it comes to innovation in public transport, it is in the Northeast that a surprising project is in full swing, promising to revolutionize urban mobility.
Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is moving forward with a project that combines cutting-edge technology and sustainability, establishing a new milestone in Brazil.
But what makes this project so extraordinary? Discover how the “land of axé” is about to become a national reference in highly efficient public transportation.
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According to information released, the Salvador Light Rail Vehicle (VLT) is under construction and will be inaugurated in October 2027.
With a route of 36,4 km distributed over three lines and 34 stops, the mode will replace the old suburban train and will be able to serve up to 116 thousand passengers per day.
This impressive figure will be possible thanks to modern design and innovative systems that prioritize energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
Project history and challenges
According to Urban channel, the idea of modernizing Salvador's rail transport emerged in the 2000s.
However, the old suburban train, which operated with precarious infrastructure, received only occasional investments in the 1940s, 1960s and 1980s, which was not enough to prevent its deterioration.
In 2015, an initial LRT project was presented, covering 18,5 km in length. However, problems with bidding prevented progress.
It was only in 2021 that the works began, but they soon faced stoppages due to legal disputes and financial difficulties.
After years of setbacks, work resumed in June 2024, with a revised cost of $ 5,2 billion, under the management of the Government of Bahia and divided into three stages.
Features of Salvador's VLT
According to information from the Bahian government, Salvador's VLT will be one of the most technological in Brazil.
Among the highlights are modern automation systems, regenerative braking and accessibility solutions.
The stations will have natural lighting, contemporary design and technologies that reduce environmental impact.
The lines were strategically planned to connect crucial points in the city:
- Line 1: From São João Island to Calçada Station, with 16,66 km and 18 stops.
- Line 2: From São Luís to Águas Claras, with 9,2 km and eight stops, connecting to the Salvador subway.
- Line 3: From Águas Claras to Piatã, with 10,52 km and nine stops, connecting peripheral areas to the city's coastline.
In addition, the proposal includes the duplication of highways, such as Estrada do Derba, and the revitalization of historical landmarks, such as the São João bridge and the Plataforma railway tunnel.
An open ticketing system, inspired by European models, will allow voluntary validation of tickets directly on the trains at 29 of the 34 stops.
Progress of works
The works are already showing significant progress. On March 29th Avenue, the foundations for the flyover over BR-324 are progressing at a fast pace, with pile driving and construction of ramps.
Near the Hospital do Subúrbio, the duplication of Estrada do Derba is ongoing, with earthmoving and deforestation work preparing the land.
In the section that connects Águas Claras to the Piatã coast, the teams are focused on assembling walkways and topographic adjustments.
Between Paripe and Águas Claras, soil surveys and adjustments for integration with the subway are underway.
In addition, the historic Calçada Station is undergoing revitalization to become a modern hub, while maintaining its cultural relevance.
The first tracks and equipment, coming from Mato Grosso, have already arrived at the construction sites. On-time delivery reinforces the government’s commitment to executing the project.
The impact of VLT for Salvador
More than one means of transport, Salvador's VLT represents a leap forward in the quality of life of residents. It will integrate peripheral regions into the urban center and enhance previously neglected areas.
The modernization of public transport in the capital of Bahia will have a direct impact on the local economy, on the reduction of pollutant emissions and on the preservation of historical heritage.
With tests scheduled for 2026, Salvador is preparing to enter a new era of urban mobility, consolidating its position as a national reference.
As announced, periodic updates on the project are available on the official channels of the Government of Bahia, reaffirming the commitment to transparency.
The transformation that Salvador is about to experience is an example of how technology and planning can reverse decades of precarious public infrastructure.
With a project that unites past and future, Salvador's VLT is an inspiration for other Brazilian capitals.
And you, what do you think of the initiative? Will Salvador finally be remembered as a national reference in urban mobility? Leave your opinion in the comments!
If the federal government is involved, nothing will happen other than the misappropriation of funds.
Another robbery in sight!
It is not more modern than the one in Rio. The VLT in Rio uses a technology that does not require overhead wiring, reducing visual pollution. It uses a third rail for power supply, which only passes through the area where the VLT passes, so there is no risk of the population getting an electric shock. Furthermore, this technology only exists in the VLT in Dubai and in the city of Rio. The ticketing system does not have turnstiles; the passenger pays inside the VLT. This model that comes from Cuiabá is not even that modern.
How much resentment in the comments, the Brazilian federal government, another thing is the title of the article…. since when is Salvador a forgotten city????????????? If Salvador is underestimated by the southerners and southeasters this is due to their ignorance……Salvador is gaining several important works and is one of the three real estate markets in Brazil……..but anyway our globe rotates
The Brazilian federal government and the state government built the Salvador metro... which is one of the best in Brazil
It is not electrification that defines the modernity of a subway system. The trains in “Cuiabá” will be modernized by the manufacturer, making them as good as new, and the technological part will also be updated. The VLT in Rio is fantastic and the one in Salvador will be excellent.