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Santa Catarina is about to experience a significant transformation in its transport infrastructure: With two new railway projects underway, the state seeks to improve connections between strategic regions and boost agribusiness. The studies for these works, which add up to an estimated investment of R$12 billion, are expected to be completed by the beginning of 2025, paving the way for new development opportunities
From the west to the coast: new railway corridors in Santa Catarina
Santa Catarina is about to usher in a new era in rail transport. Projects for the construction of two new branches in the state, connecting the West to the Serrano Plateau and the port region of Itajaí, are in the final stages of preparation and promise to bring significant changes. The first project, which includes a railway corridor for 319 km between Chapecó and Correia Pinto, is expected to be completed by March of 2025. This section will be essential for transporting the production of Santa Catarina agribusiness, connecting it to the Coast. The second project, which will connect Araquari to Navegantes on a 62 km route, it should be ready in February of the same year, according to the nsctotal website.
The government of Santa Catarina is racing against time to secure the necessary resources to build these railways, including the search for international investors. In total, the cost of the works is estimated at $ 12 billion, which reflects the ambition and importance of these projects for the future of the state.
Agribusiness and regional development: the impact of the Chapecó-Correia Pinto railway
The railway that will connect Chapecó to Correia Pinto is more than a simple infrastructure project; is a strategic bet on agribusiness in Santa Catarina. With a length of 319 km, the new rail corridor will be essential to connect the West of the state, a region rich in agricultural production, the Serrano Plateau and, consequently, the Coast. This extension will be a real “cat jump” to flow production more efficiently, reduce logistical costs and, of course, increase the competitiveness of Santa Catarina products in the national and international market.
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The project, contracted in 2022 by R $ million 28,2 (after readjustments), it is one of Santa Catarina's biggest bets to boost regional development. The expectation is that, upon completion of this work, the state will be able to consolidate itself as one of the main agricultural export hubs in Brazil. 🌾🚜
Interportos Railway: Connecting Araquari to Navegantes
The second railway project in Santa Catarina, known as Interportos Railway, aims to connect the port complexes of São Francisco do Sul and Itajaí. This 62 km extension between Araquari and Navegantes will improve logistics of transporting goods, facilitating the flow between ports and, consequently, expanding the state's export capacity. Contracted in 2022 for R$7,2 million, the project has an estimated cost of 300 million U.S. $ for construction. 🚆
The Interportos Railway is seen as a key piece for the development of port infrastructure from Santa Catarina. With this new connection, the state will be able to optimize cargo transportation, reducing travel time and cost between ports. Furthermore, the railway has the potential to attract new investment to the region, further strengthening the local economy.
investments and future: what to expect from the new railways in Santa Catarina
With the completion of the projects scheduled for the beginning of 2025, Santa Catarina is preparing for a future of great transformations. The investment of R$12 billion in these two railway branches reflects the strategic importance of these works for the development of the state. The expectation is that, with the completion of the railways, Santa Catarina will be able to stand out even more as a logistics and export hub, attracting new investments and strengthening its economy.
But, like any big project, these also come with challenges. In addition to the search for resources, there is a need to ensure that the works are carried out on time and with the quality necessary to meet the state's demands. However, if everything goes as planned, Santa Catarina will be in a privileged position to take advantage of the opportunities that these new railways will bring.
So, the expectation remains: will these trails really bring a new era of prosperity to the state? Time will tell, but one thing is certain – Santa Catarina is betting big, and the development train is already on its way.
