São Paulo plans launch of public consultation for US$1.25bn rail line

São Paulo state’s metro operator CPTM plans to launch the public consultation for the 7.5bn-real (US$1.25bn) São Paulo-Campinas-Jundiaí rail connection in July, according to a company official.

The consultation will last 30-45 days, CPTM’s planning and projects director, José Augusto Rodrigues Bissacot, said at an infrastructure financing webinar organized by transport association ANPTrilhos.

He did not confirm if the contract for the 150km passenger-freight rail will be a public-private partnership (PPP). About 600,000 passengers are expected to use the line per day.

Rodrigues Bissacot added that the project includes the revitalization of a 50km freight rail stretch, the purchase of 23 trains, modernization of signaling, and the construction of a 700m tunnel.

Bidding is planned for early 2022, construction should start in 2023, and operations in 2027, Metrocptm.com reported recently.

However, the launch of the public consultation and construction still requires the early extension of MRS’ concession by the federal government. MRS operates a cargo stretch planned to become part of the new line. 

The federal audit court (TCU) must also approve the 30-year extension beforehand.