New rail connection boosts development in the Sertão

Partnership between Sudene and UFPE studies cargo and passenger transportation to strengthen logistics and development in Pernambuco

The Ministry of Integration and Regional Development, through the Superintendence for the Development of the Northeast (Sudene), signed a partnership with the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE) on Thursday (July 24). The initiative aims to improve the Northeast's logistics network and integrate new connections with the Transnordestina railway. The studies will have two distinct focuses: cargo transportation between the municipalities of Salgueiro and Petrolina, and the resumption of passenger transportation between the cities of Recife and Caruaru. UFPE is expected to complete the research by the first half of 2026.

During the first seminar of the "Transnordestina Connections – The Railway that Will Change Pernambuco" program, held in the state's Sertão region, Sudene superintendent Danilo Cabral stated that the studies are aligned with the new federal transportation policy, which focuses on rail as a driver of economic and social transformation. "Our goal is to contribute to regional logistics integration initiatives, increasing competitiveness and fostering sustainable development, including in the Northeast," he declared.

One of the studies, focused on freight transportation, involves preparing a technical study that will analyze the costs and possible routes of a railway branch line connecting Petrolina to the Transnordestina junction in Salgueiro. The proposal aims to strengthen the flow of irrigated fruit crops from the São Francisco Valley, as well as other products from local production systems. The connection would also facilitate strategic access to the ports of Suape (PE) and Pecém (CE), in addition to integrating the São Francisco River waterway with the Northeastern railway network.

The other research focuses on the resumption of passenger transportation between Recife and Caruaru. The study will assess potential demand, compare the old rail route with more modern technologies, and analyze the feasibility of a new route that follows the BR-232 highway.

Salgueiro – Suape section

During the "Transnordestina Connections" event, technicians from Infra SA—a company affiliated with the Ministry of Transportation—presented updates on the Pernambuco section of the Transnordestina railway, which will connect Salgueiro to the Port of Suape. Technical designs are underway, and bidding processes for the construction of the branch line will be released as these designs are finalized.

According to Rafael Fernandes de Sousa, advisor to the Infra SA Enterprises Department, construction has already resumed, and the strategy will be to maximize the initially planned route, with specific updates, for example, in the area where there is a dam. "The first bidding process is expected to take place in the second half of the year for the Custodia–Arverde section, with the project expected to be contracted in the first quarter of 2026. The estimated investment is R$600 million, with funds coming from the Federal Budget," he explained.

The total estimated investment is R$3.5 billion, as 179 km of railway have already been completed. Completion is expected by 2029. "Our project does not include the construction of terminals by Infra SA. This is an initiative that will be undertaken by the private sector or the future concessionaire. Based on our experience with other railways, it is more feasible for the location decision to be made by the production sector," emphasized the Infra SA manager.

Transnordestina

Last week, President Lula visited a section of the Transnordestina railway in Missão Velha, Ceará, accompanied by the Minister of Integration and Regional Development, Waldez Góes. During the visit, the officials announced the securing of R$1.4 billion in funding to complete the railway's construction.

Currently, construction is 75% complete on the section connecting Eliseu Martins (PI) to the Port of Pecém (CE). The MIDR, through the Secretariat of Funds and Financial Instruments, prepared the project budget with a total investment of nearly R$15 billion, of which R$8.2 billion has already been invested. "Transnordestina is not just a railway; it is a driver of development and regional integration," Waldez Góes remarked at the time.