The Brazilian land transport authority ANTT has approved the new 575 km EF-118 railway line between Nova Iguaçu in the state of Rio de Janeiro and Santa Leopoldina in Espírito Santo, with investments of around EUR 1 billion (BRL 6.6 billion). The concession auction is scheduled for June 2026. The line is intended to connect the port of Porto do Açu with the existing EF Vitória-Minas (EFVM) and MRS networks and reduce bottlenecks in rail freight transport of agricultural and mineral products. The financing consists of funds from the MRS Logística contract restructuring worth EUR 443 million, the Rumo Malha Paulista concession extension worth approximately EUR 79.5 million, and a contribution from Vale for the Ramal Anchieta integration section of EUR 131 million, as well as other private and public funds. Construction will take place in two phases. First, the 246 km section between São João da Barra and Santa Leopoldina will be built, with completion scheduled for 2035. The extension between São João da Barra and Nova Iguaçu will be reassessed after the start of the first concession and depending on demand.
