On October 10, Transportation Minister Renan Filho stated that railways are poised to be the central focus of the Brazilian federal government's auction agenda in 2026. He made this announcement during an event hosted by BTG Pactual, revealing plans to execute 20 auctions within the year, of which eight will be dedicated to the railway sector, with the remainder focused on roadways. Renan emphasized that with some key roadways being decommissioned, the relative appeal of railways is expected to increase significantly, positioning them as vital for development, especially in central Brazil.

Despite the lower number of railway auctions compared to road projects anticipated in the same year, the mere revival of the railway concession agenda is considered a significant milestone. The railway sector has been experiencing a stagnation of new projects for years, primarily due to the higher costs associated with rail infrastructure and the competition from road transport, which has made it difficult for railways to thrive. The last railway concession was awarded in 2021 during Jair Bolsonaro's presidency, marking a notable gap in new initiatives since then.

Renan Filho's statement underscores a strategic pivot towards revitalizing Brazil's railway system, which many believe is essential for comprehensive transportation development in the country. Recognizing railways as a critical component of national infrastructure could enhance both economic growth and accessibility, particularly in underdeveloped areas of Brazil.