Brazil's Federal Public Ministry Plans Safer Pilgrimage Route on Via Dutra

The Federal Public Ministry (MPF) conducted an aerial inspection of the Via Dutra (BR‑116) to evaluate safer alternatives for the thousands of pilgrims walking to the Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida in São Paulo. The study, coordinated with the Federal Highway Police, the National Land Transport Agency, the concessionaire Motiva, the Aparecida Sanctuary administration and the Brazilian Army, identified critical points lacking shoulders and proposes measures such as mandatory crossings, enhanced signage, lighting, camera monitoring, marginal roads, and a movable bridge exclusively for walkers. The draft route is in its final stage and will be released in the coming weeks before the October 12 celebration, which traditionally draws massive crowds. Since 2021, at least ten pilgrims have died in traffic accidents on the highway, underscoring the urgency of the plan.