Brazil’s EF-118 Railway: A Game-Changer for Connectivity and Economic Growth
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Amsterdam, October 9th, 2025 – In a landmark move for Brazil’s transportation infrastructure, the federal government and MRS Logística have sealed an agreement to invest in the construction of the EF-118 railway, a new passenger and cargo line connecting Rio de Janeiro to Vitória, the capital of Espírito Santo. This ambitious project, part of the Southeast Railway Ring, promises to revolutionize regional mobility, unlock new business opportunities, and strengthen Brazil’s industrial backbone.
🚆 A Strategic Link Between Two Economic Powerhouses
The EF-118 railway will span approximately 575 kilometers, linking Nova Iguaçu in Rio de Janeiro to Santa Leopoldina in Espírito Santo. It will interconnect two major existing systems: the MRS Logística network, which serves São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, and the Vitória-Minas Railway (EFVM) operated by Vale. This integration will create a seamless corridor for both passengers and freight, enhancing access to key ports such as Vitória, Porto Central, and Porto do Açu.
💰 Investment and Execution
The project is backed by a R$3.38 billion investment, with R$2.8 billion coming directly from MRS Logística as part of a renegotiated concession deal approved by Brazil’s Tribunal de Contas da União (TCU). The railway will be built in three segments:
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- Northern Section (Anchieta Branch): 80 km, executed by Vale.
- Central Section: 170 km between Anchieta and São João da Barra.
- Southern Section: 325 km from São João da Barra to Nova Iguaçu.
The concession auction is expected by December 2025, with full implementation phased over the next decade.
🌱 Sustainable Transport and Economic Impact
Beyond improving passenger mobility, EF-118 is poised to reduce dependence on road transport, cutting emissions and traffic congestion. It will facilitate the flow of iron ore, grains, fuels, and industrial goods, boosting Brazil’s export capacity and supporting the agribusiness and mining sectors.
For businesses, the railway opens doors to new logistics hubs, faster delivery routes, and expanded market access. Entrepreneurs in manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism will benefit from improved connectivity between Brazil’s most industrialized states.
🏗️ Infrastructure Renaissance
The EF-118 is more than a railway—it’s a symbol of Brazil’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure. By linking capitals, ports, and production centers, it addresses long-standing logistical bottlenecks and sets the stage for regional development, job creation, and private investment.
As Brazil moves forward with this transformative project, the EF-118 stands as a beacon of progress, promising to reshape the economic landscape of the Southeast and usher in a new era of integrated, sustainable transport.
Sources:
- New railway will connect Rio de Janeiro to Vitória to strengthen relations between the states – CPG Click Petróleo e Gás
- PPI
- Governo e concessionária fecham acordo para construção da Ferrovia Vitória-Rio | Tribuna Online | Seu portal de Notícias