A tender for the construction of a high-speed `bullet train` between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo is expected to be opened by Brazil’s federal transport body within the next few weeks. A five-year construction period – 2011 to 2016 – is expected.
The 511-kilometre route will link the Rio and Sao Paulo international airports plus the Campinas domestic airport 100km northwest of Sao Paulo, with trains to travel at close to 400 kilometres per hour. The fares will range from R$149.85 and R$199.73 (AU$1 = R$1.5).
The project will cost around R$33 billion (AU$22 billion) and generate an estimated R$192.7 billion in income over a 40-year concession period. A new public company called ETAV will hold a 33% stake in a special entity to be incorporated by the winner of the tender.
Brazilian development bank BNDES will provide the majority of finance for the project.