Transnordestina in PE can generate R$ 4.7 billion, says Sudene A study prepared by the Superintendence for the Development of the Northeast (Sudene) concluded that the construction of the section of the Transnordestina Railway between Salgueiro, in the Sertão of Pernambuco, and the Port of Suape, in Greater Recife, has technical, economic, social and environmental feasibility. According to the document, the completion of the Pernambuco section of the railway could generate economic and social benefits estimated at R$4.7 billion in the state alone. ? Receive news from g1 PE on WhatsApp The work has been suspended for ten years and the Pernambuco section was removed from the project during the government of Jair Bolsonaro (PL), but was resumed by the administration of President Lula (PT). However, the Federal Audit Court (TCU) ordered the suspension of new financial commitments related to the Salgueiro-Suape branch. According to the court's decision, the resources should only be transferred again after the technical, economic, social and environmental viability of the work has been proven. In June, vice-president Geraldo Alckmin (PSB) came to Pernambuco and stated, regarding the extension, that "the TCU just needs to say 'ok' and the work will begin". One of the main objectives of Sudene's study is to meet TCU's requirements. The document was prepared with the participation of the Federation of Industries of Pernambuco (Fiepe), the Port of Suape and political and technical representatives. The Transnordestina works began around 20 years ago. In Pernambuco, of the 540 kilometers planned, only 179 kilometers of tracks were installed. Since 2016, work has been paralyzed. The study also reinforces the need to build a 73-kilometer stretch between Custódia, in Agreste, and Arcoverde, in Sertão, the bidding for which was already in the final phase before being interrupted. According to Sudene, the calculations used the indicator known as Net Present Social Value (VSPL), which compares the benefits generated by an enterprise with the costs necessary for its implementation. As the result was positive, the conclusion was that the investment was justifiable. "We have a VSPL of around 15.5%. This shows that you will have development on the side of the road, where it passes, and here in Recife, where it arrives. Around 40% of the Northeast region will have an influence on what the railway will generate for our entire region. We are dealing with a strategic and important decision for the Northeast, for Pernambuco and also for the country", said the superintendent of Sudene, Francisco Ferreira Alexandre. Transnordestina Railway in Pernambuco Reproduction/TV Globo According to the study, the railway will be able to move up to 24 million tons of cargo per year. The president of Fiepe, Bruno Veloso, highlighted the diversity of benefiting sectors. "Mineral production in the Araripe plaster complex, for example; the fruit center in the Vale do São Francisco region will also benefit greatly, not to mention the production of animal protein, both poultry and beef. We have corn, soybeans, which are necessary to make animal feed. And we also need to take into consideration that we have one of the largest oil refineries in our country, which justifies this section of the Transnordestina", he stated. The document also highlights the integration with the Abreu e Lima Refinery, in Suape, as one of the factors that reinforce the economic importance of the Pernambuco section. Also according to the survey, the completion of the railway between Salgueiro and Suape should generate around 13 thousand direct jobs during the works and another 9.6 thousand jobs when the section comes into operation. In addition, approximately 400 northeastern municipalities should have a positive impact on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) with the railway connection. Next steps Transnordestina's original project foresees 1,752 kilometers of railway, connecting the Porto Seco de Eliseu Martins, in Piauí, to the ports of Pecém, in Ceará, and Suape, in Pernambuco, passing through Salgueiro. 2027, the continuity of the works in Pernambuco depends on the TCU's decision on the release of new resources. According to Sudene's assessment, if the investments are authorized, the completion of the Pernambuco section could occur by 2030. The estimate is that around R$5 billion will be needed to complete the works and authorize the works. resumption of investments "as quickly as possible". "The next main step is to change the TCU's decision with a new decision that could come from the TCU itself, saying that the investment of new resources for the railway is authorized. I am absolutely convinced that, very soon, we will have good news on this matter", he declared. VIDEOS: most visas from Pernambuco in the last 7 days