The Brazilian government and the state of Minas Gerais have announced an investment of 3.2 billion reais (US$600.4 million) for the expansion and modernization of the Belo Horizonte metro, ahead of plans to release the private franchise network.

The Ministry of Regional Development (MDR) stated that the federal government will invest 2.8 billion reals in the network currently operated by the Brazilian City Train Company (CBTU), while the Minas Gerais state government will invest 428 million reals. The investment will be used to modernize the 28.1-kilometer Line 1 and extend it to the new El Dorado station, and open the delayed Line 2 between the Calafate District and the Barreiro area.

After the opening of Line 1 in 1986, the planning of Line 2 has been implemented for about 20 years. Earthworks, drainage and other infrastructure preparations were carried out between 1998 and 2004, but were subsequently suspended. MDR expects that the line concession announcement will be issued in early 2022.

Rio Grande do Norte expansion

The Minister of Regional Development, Mr. Rogério Marinho, also initiated work to extend the Purple Line in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte by 4.2 kilometers on September 6. The project will add three new stations on the BR-101 North, Guararapes and Vicunha lines.

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The federal government is investing 14.8 million reais in the project, of which 8.7 million reais have been issued. Marinho announced the construction of two new lines in Natal in July 2020, expanding the city's total network from 54 kilometers to 70 kilometers.Editor/Baohongying