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Railway concession project foresees million-dollar investments, complete infrastructure renewal, and strengthening of freight transport on one of the most important routes in southern Brazil
The railway connecting Mafra to São Francisco do Sul, in Santa Catarina, is about to enter a new phase in its history. With an expected R$ 608 million in investments in the future concession of the Southern Network, the railway line may undergo extensive modernization that promises to increase its operational efficiency, strengthen regional logistics, and enhance the competitiveness of rail transport in southern Brazil.
The information was disclosed by the NSC Total portal, based on studies presented for the future concession of the Paraná-Santa Catarina Corridor lot. In addition to direct investments in railway infrastructure, the project also foresees resources allocated to the operation of the network, known as Opex, during the contractual period.
Currently, this railway represents one of the most important logistical connections in Santa Catarina. It carries cargo destined for the Port of São Francisco do Sul, especially grains for export.
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Investments will modernize more than 200 kilometers of tracks
The railway section between Mafra and São Francisco do Sul is 212 kilometers long. According to studies of the future concession, the entire line will undergo significant structural improvements.
Among the main interventions planned is the standardization of the tracks. All profiles below the T57 model must be replaced. This type of track has a greater capacity to support heavy loads and allows for more efficient operations.
Additionally, the concessionaire must carry out the complete replacement of existing wooden sleepers along the route. Similarly, there will be a recomposition of the upper layer of the railway ballast, made of gravel. The plan foresees the renewal of at least 80% of the volume of this structure.
At the same time, the contract will require leveling, alignment, regularization, and stabilization of the permanent way. The so-called track changes, popularly known as “railway switches,” will also need to be replaced to meet new technical standards.
Consequently, the expectation is that the railway will gain greater operational capacity, more safety, and reduced maintenance costs.
Public hearings and auction already have a defined schedule
The Ministry of Transport has set a schedule for the concession process of the South Network. The public hearings for the presentation of the modeling of the three lots will take place in July 2026.
In Santa Catarina, the meeting is scheduled to take place in Florianópolis on July 31.
Subsequently, the federal government intends to launch the concession notice in December 2026. Then, the auction is expected to occur in March 2027.
The South Network was divided into three main segments:
- Paraná-Santa Catarina Corridor;
- Mercosur Corridor;
- Rio Grande Corridor.
The Santa Catarina section between Mafra and São Francisco do Sul is part of the Paraná-Santa Catarina Corridor lot.
Railway has historical importance for Santa Catarina
The railway line has played a fundamental role in the economic development of Santa Catarina for more than a century.
The first section was inaugurated in 1906, connecting Joinville to São Francisco do Sul. Since then, the railway has become an important axis for the transportation of goods and regional integration.
Currently, a large part of the grains exported by the Port of São Francisco do Sul arrives through this infrastructure. Soybeans are the main product transported by the railway.
In addition, there is a smaller operation focused on the transportation of steel coils between São Francisco do Sul and Araucária, in Paraná.
On the other hand, regular passenger transport ceased operations in 1991. Since then, the railway has exclusively served freight transport.
New concession will have a 35-year contract
The current concession of the South Network began 30 years ago and ends in March 2027. However, there is the possibility of a temporary extension of two years until the definitive conclusion of the new process.
The future contract is expected to last 35 years.
According to the studies presented, the Paraná-Santa Catarina Corridor lot has approximately 1,500 kilometers of extension. Of this total, about 1,200 kilometers are located in Santa Catarina territory.
Despite this, the largest concentration of railway lines in the lot remains in Paraná, which is why a significant part of the investments will also be directed to the neighboring state.
Modernization can strengthen ports and regional logistics
The planned investments come at a time considered strategic for the Brazilian logistics sector.
With the growth of agricultural and industrial exports, there is also an increased need to enhance the efficiency of transport corridors.
In this scenario, the modernization of the railway between Mafra and São Francisco do Sul can reduce logistical bottlenecks and further strengthen the competitiveness of the Port of São Francisco do Sul.
Moreover, experts assess that improvements in railway infrastructure tend to reduce operational costs, increase cargo handling capacity, and decrease dependency on road transport.
Meanwhile, parallel projects continue to be discussed in the state, including proposals for new railway connections between important economic hubs in Santa Catarina.
Thus, the future concession of the Southern Network could represent one of the largest railway investments in recent years in Santa Catarina, contributing to regional economic development and the expansion of national logistics.
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