Who hasn’t spent hours stuck in traffic trying to reach the São Paulo coast? For those who regularly face the traffic jams on the Anchieta-Imigrantes highway, a new proposal could transform the way people travel between the capital and the Baixada Santista region.
The São Paulo state government is considering the implementation of a passenger train between São Paulo and Santos, which is expected to cover the route in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Called the Intercity Train (TIC) Southern Corridor, the project has an estimated investment of R$15 billion and could benefit approximately 1.8 million people in nine municipalities.
But before you pack your bags, here’s a word of caution: the rail link is still in the planning phase. The final route has not been chosen, and there is no confirmed timeline for the start of operations.
What would a train trip between São Paulo and Santos be like?
One of the project’s biggest challenges is crossing the Serra do Mar mountain range, which separates the state capital from the coast and presents both engineering and environmental obstacles.
For this reason, the state government is evaluating different alternatives for the future railroad, with routes ranging from 80 to 130 kilometers.
One possibility is to utilize part of the existing rail infrastructure, which is currently used for freight transport. At about 80 kilometers, this would be the shortest route among the options being studied.
Another alternative involves a route that bypasses the Serra do Mar mountain range, passing through the Mongaguá region. There is also a proposal that uses the right-of-way of the Imigrantes Highway as a reference for part of the connection.
The decision will depend on studies regarding costs, technical feasibility, environmental impacts, and integration with other modes of transportation.
After all, in addition to transporting tourists who want to enjoy the beaches, the new train could serve residents who commute between the two regions for work or school.
According to state estimates, the project could also generate 13,000 direct and indirect jobs during its development.
If it gets off the ground, the connection will offer an alternative to the Anchieta-Imigrantes System, especially during peak travel periods, such as holidays and school breaks.
This does not mean, however, that traffic congestion will disappear. The impact on traffic will depend on the number of passengers, the frequency of trains, and the location of future stations.
When will the train between São Paulo and Santos be ready?
Although the prospect of reaching the coast in just 1 hour and 30 minutes is exciting, we’ll still have to wait to find out when the trip might become a reality.
The TIC Eixo Sul is part of the São Paulo State Investment Partnership Program (PPI-SP) and is expected to go through various stages before construction begins.
According to the schedule released by the state government, the forecast is:
- First half of 2027: completion of studies and holding of public hearings;
- Second half of 2027: publication of the request for proposals and concession auction;
- First half of 2028: contract signing.
It’s important to note that 2028 is not the projected year for the train’s inauguration, but rather the year the contract with the future concessionaire is expected to be signed.
There are still no confirmed dates for the start of construction or for the first passenger trip.
Meanwhile, the project remains a possibility for expanding rail transportation in the state and creating a new way to reach the Baixada Santista region.
And for those who’ve already wasted a good part of their weekend stuck in traffic in the mountains, the prospect of making this train trip in 1 hour and 30 minutes certainly catches the eye!
