Brazil is set for a policy shift in 2026, launching eight rail project tenders totalling more than 9,000 route-km and around R$140bn (c. €23.7bn) in capital expenditure.
The federal government estimates lifecycle mobilisation of up to R$600bn (€101.6bn). Delivery will rely on public–private partnerships structured as concessions.
The strategy targets a long-standing dominance of road freight following decades of highway investment. Rail, with superior unit costs and energy efficiency, is expected to lower logistics prices and enhance export competitiveness for grains, minerals and pulp.
Flagship schemes include Ferrogrão, linking Sinop (Mato Grosso) to Itaituba (Pará), creating a northbound export corridor and shortening hauls versus current routes to the southeast. The project could generate over 100,000 jobs.
The programme also covers the southeast rail ring (EF-118), the East–West axis, and western and southern networks, with an emphasis on an integrated, port-connected system.
In parallel, the first authorised short line is advancing: a 47 km route in Mato Grosso do Sul (R$2.8bn), designed for 3.5 Mtpa and scheduled for entry into service in 2027.
Execution discipline will be critical, given a history of delivery slippages.