The Government of São Paulo has formalized a loan of approximately R$ 2.5 billion from Banco do Brasil to finance part of the tunnel project linking Santos to Guarujá. The project, considered one of the major historical demands for urban mobility in the Baixada Santista region, should significantly improve the connection between the two cities, currently dependent on ferries and maritime crossings.
The project foresees R$ 6.8 billion in investments for the construction of the asset. The São Paulo government and federal government will pay together over R$ 5 billion as capital contribution for the work, and the remaining amount will be paid by the tunnel concessionaire, Motta-Engil.
The project is viewed as strategic not only for the mobility of the local population, but also for the logistics of Santos Port, the largest in Latin America.
The formalization of the contract included the participation of authorities such as vice-president Geraldo Alckmin, Finance Minister Dario Durigan, Minister of Ports and Airports Tomé Franca, São Paulo's Finance Secretary Samuel Kinoshita, and Banco do Brasil President Tarciana Medeiros. The presence of these representatives reinforces the institutional weight of the project. The expectation is that the work will generate jobs and boost the regional economy during its execution.
"It is a financing with a 23-year extended term. It is a very fine project for all of Baixada Santista and for Brazil," said Paulo Kinoshita during the event.
According to the Minister of Ports and Airports, with the signing of the credit operation, works may begin later this year. "Works should start in 2026, and the deadline for completion is 48 months, by the end of 2030," declared Tomé Franca.
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