The state government of São Paulo has invited expressions of interest by April 26 for a feasibility study to provide multimodal access from the São Paulo plateau to the port of Santos.

To be developed and operated as a concession, the multimodal corridor dubbed the ‘Green Line’ is intended to supplement the existing rail links and the Anchieta highway which is expected to be at full capacity by 2035. It may include a combination of road and rail connections.

Movement of freight between São Paulo and Santos requires negotiation of the Serra do Mar escarpment separating the inland plateau from the coast. Rail traffic handled by MRS Logística currently moves over the electrified broad-gauge line via Paranapiacaba, where the steepest section down the escarpment is equipped with a rack. Other traffic uses the mixed-gauge Ferroban route via Evangelista de Souza now operated by Rumo. Much of the traffic handled by both operators is agricultural produce for export.

The multimodal access project aims to improve freight logistics in São Paulo state to allow more efficient movement of cargo flows. ‘A large part of the national GDP passes through the port of Santos and this new logistical structure will bring an incalculable gain to the economy’, explained João Octaviano Machado Neto, State Secretary for Logistics & Transport.

Santos Port Authority is expecting a 60% increase in traffic by 2040 and is planning to invest around R$2bn in expanding its 200 km internal rail network.