Brazil's EF-118 Railway Project Advances to Boost Regional Logistics

The EF-118 railway corridor, spanning the interior of Rio de Janeiro state, is in an advanced stage of planning and could become a major freight route for Brazil. The project seeks to link the North Fluminense region with the Port of Açu in São João da Barra, as well as other ports and industrial hubs in Espírito Santo and the Southeast, aiming to reduce reliance on road transport and lower logistics costs.

Firjan (the Rio de Janeiro Federation of Industries) views the railway as a "game‑changer" for the North Fluminense, forecasting new investments and the creation of qualified jobs in construction, maintenance and services. President of Firjan Norte Fluminense, Francisco Roberto de Siqueira, stated that the line will increase regional competitiveness and attract further economic activity. Public hearings have concluded, the Outgrant Plan received approval from the Ministry of Transport, and the project is now under review by the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU). No final concession award has been issued yet.