The first section of the Mato Grosso State Railway was inaugurated last Saturday (20th). On the occasion, Rumo Logística delivered the first 163 kilometers of track and a new cargo terminal on BR-070, in the municipality of Dom Aquino.
The project, part of the New PAC, aimed at draining agricultural production and industrial development in the state, received private investments totaling R$ 5 billion. The funds were raised through financing via the Superintendency for the Development of the Center-West (Sudeco) and debentures through the Brazilian National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES).
When completed, the project will have a total of 740 kilometers in length, connecting Rondonópolis (MT) to Lucas do Rio Verde (MT), passing through 16 municipalities in Mato Grosso and with a branch line planned for Cuiabá. In all, there will be 130 railcars to transport grain from the Center-West to the Port of Santos (SP). The work mobilized more than 65 contracted companies and recorded more than 5,000 professionals in the field.
The Vice-President of the Republic, Geraldo Alckmin, highlighted the importance of the railway for the competitiveness of Brazilian production. "This railway links Mato Grosso to the Port of Santos (SP), reducing logistics costs and increasing the competitiveness of Brazilian production. The railway improves transportation, helps the environment, reduces costs and drives the country's economic development," said Alckmin.
"Brazil, which was a food importer 70 years ago, is today among the three largest food producers and exporters in the world. We need to reach the ports. And to reach the ports, we need railways," Alckmin emphasized, speaking about the importance of the railway sector for draining production.
The Minister of Transportation, George Santoro, highlighted that Mato Grosso produces more than 150 million tons and that it is important to prepare for the development of this production. He noted that a specific BNDES financing line was launched exclusively for the construction of railways to purchase rolling stock. According to the minister, it is a 40-year line with a grace period during the Capex (capital expenditure) of the project. "It is a change in the bank's policy to offer investors and entrepreneurs a solution so important," he added.
The first phase comprises the implementation of more than 160 kilometers of railway on a completely new route. The new railway terminal on BR-070, in Dom Aquino, will have the capacity to move up to 10 million tons of grain per year. Terminal operations will begin in the commissioning phase, with operational tests.
"Vision for the future is important, but it is not enough. Knowledge, partnership and courage are needed to turn projects into reality. The model created by Mato Grosso was fundamental for this investment to leave the paper and reach this point," highlighted Rumo's president, Pedro Palma.
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