TCU approves Minas-Rio Corridor railway modeling

The Brazilian Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) has authorized the advancement of the Minas-Rio Corridor modeling. This represents the first railway authorization project structured by Infra S.A. under the sector's new legal framework.

While the rapporteur, Minister Bruno Dantas, found no significant irregularities and ruled that the model meets legal and constitutional requirements, the Court mandated several adjustments before the public notice is published. These include technical justifications for the symbolic minimum grant value, clarification of environmental licensing procedures, details on interoperability with other rail networks, and verification of preference rights for neighboring concessionaires.

The Court also approved the possibility of public funding for authorized projects, provided they undergo a competitive process. Under the Ministry of Transport's system, the winner of the public call will conduct feasibility studies; if public resources are deemed necessary, competing companies may submit proposals requiring lower levels of state investment.

The project involves the operation of approximately 733 kilometers of railways, covering existing sections between Guatama and Barra Mansa, as well as non-operational segments between Barra Mansa and Angra dos Reis and between Varginha and Lavras.