FICO railway bridge over Araguaia River advances construction

Construction is advancing on a 1.6-kilometer railway bridge over the Araguaia River, a key component of the Ferrovia de Integração Centro-Oeste (FICO). The structure will connect Aruanã, in Goiás, to Cocalinho, in Mato Grosso, facilitating the movement of goods between the Center-West region and the North-South Railway.

The project, which has reached over 50% progress, involves a total estimated investment of R$ 10.7 billion. The bridge features a 140-meter main span designed to preserve the navigable section of the river. Engineering works have reached the successive cantilever concrete stage for the main span.

The railway is expected to be completed by April 2027. It aims to reduce reliance on road transport by providing a dedicated corridor for bulk commodities. According to studies by the National Land Transport Agency (ANTT), projected demand for the corridor will be approximately 80% bulk goods, with soy and corn expected to account for 46% and 28.5% of the volume, respectively.