Sao Paulo unveils ambitious $37.2 Billion Rail Investment Plan

Sao Paulo, Brazil (Metro Rail Today): In a landmark move towards modernizing and expanding its rail infrastructure, the Brazilian state of São Paulo has announced an extensive $37.2 billion investment plan. Dubbed SP on Rail, this comprehensive program aims to revitalize and enhance the state's rail network through a series of inter-city, commuter rail, metro, and light rail projects. Governor Tarcísio de Freitas spearheads this initiative, reflecting São Paulo's commitment to sustainable transportation solutions and economic growth.

The SP on Rail program encompasses over 40 distinct projects, collectively extending more than 1000 kilometers across São Paulo. These projects are poised to transform the state's transportation landscape, making rail travel more efficient, accessible, and environmentally friendly. With nine projects already greenlit by the state's Secretariat of Investment Partnerships (SPI), the groundwork is being laid for a significant overhaul of the existing rail infrastructure.

One of the most pivotal components of this plan is the North Axis of the InterCity Train (TIC) network, which includes the upgrade of the 101-kilometer São Paulo - Campinas line. This project will be executed by the C2 Mobilidade Sobre Trilhos consortium under a public-private partnership (PPP) contract, covering operations and maintenance for 30 years.

The North Axis project represents a major milestone in São Paulo's rail development strategy. This initiative is budgeted at Reais 14.2 billion and involves several key elements:

• Upgrade of the São Paulo - Campinas Line: The 101-kilometer stretch will be enhanced to support express passenger services.
• Operation of the InterMetropolitan Train (TIM): C2 will manage the TIM service over a 44-kilometer route from Jundiaí to Campinas.
• Enhancement of Line 7/Ruby: This commuter line of the São Paulo Metropolitan Trains (CPTM) network spans 57 kilometers from Palmeiras-Barra Funda to Jundiaí.

The project commenced its preliminary phase in May, with the concessionaire set to present its finance, property acquisition, and rehousing plans by November. Preparatory work for the North Axis project, including collaboration with CPTM, will continue until June 2026. Construction is anticipated to start shortly thereafter, with key milestones such as the completion of work on Line 7 and TIM expected by June 2029, and the entire TIC network by the latter half of 2032. Commercial operations for TIM are slated to begin in 2030, followed by the North Axis TIC in 2032.

Beyond the North Axis, the SPI has sanctioned three additional TIC projects aimed at expanding the reach of inter-city rail services:

1. West Axis (São Paulo to Sorocaba): This Reais 8.5 billion project is currently in the technical study phase, with plans to start tendering for the concession contract in 2025.
2. East Axis (São Paulo to São José dos Campos): Estimated to cost Reais 10 billion, this project is undergoing feasibility studies and funding structure development. It aims to upgrade 80 to 130 kilometers of railway for inter-city services.
3. South Axis (São Paulo to Santos): With an estimated budget of Reais 15 billion, this project will upgrade 80 to 115 kilometers of infrastructure. Feasibility studies and business model development are in progress.

Governor Tarcísio de Freitas underscores the importance of these initiatives as a response to the growing congestion on São Paulo's roads. "Roads are becoming increasingly congested, and we need a sustainable solution that aligns with global trends," de Freitas asserts. He envisions São Paulo as the leader in revitalizing passenger rail in Brazil, setting a precedent for other regions to follow.

The SP on Rail program is not merely an infrastructure project; it represents a paradigm shift in how transportation is perceived and utilized in São Paulo. By prioritizing rail travel, the state aims to reduce carbon emissions, ease traffic congestion, and provide a more reliable mode of transportation for its residents. The success of this ambitious plan could serve as a model for other