Belo Horizonte metro expansion centres on Line 2 works

Belo Horizonte metro expansion is part of a Minas Gerais programme worth about $US 1.8bn. As reported by Rail Journal, the plan covers Line 2 and Line 1 upgrades.

The programme follows the concession granted to Metrô BH in 2022. Under the 30-year agreement, the company operates, maintains and expands the system. The concessionaire took over in 2023. It has started introducing 24 four-car trains built by CRRC Changchun. In February, it opened the 1.7km Novo Eldorado extension of Line 1. Also, this was the network’s first expansion in 20 years. Line 1 now extends to 29.7km and has 20 stations.

Belo Horizonte metro expansion focuses on Line 2

According to the state government, the current phase centres on the long-planned 10.5km Line 2. The route will connect Nova Suíça with Barreiro. Also, it will include seven stations. Meanwhile, construction is due to advance in phases through to the end of this decade.

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In addition, funding will come from federal, state and private-sector sources. For example, it includes money from legal settlements and infrastructure funds. At the same time, the plan keeps a hybrid financing structure. It is similar to other recent urban rail concessions in Brazil.

Line 1 upgrades and new CRRC Changchun trains

Alongside Line 2, the government has also confirmed a broader package of Line 1 upgrades. The works include capacity upgrades and modernisation of existing infrastructure. In addition, they include the rollout of the new Chinese-built fleet. That fleet will replace the class 900 trains dating back to the 1980s. The first train reached Brazil in January. Separately, two more arrived on March 22. Another two are currently en route from China. Also, 10 trains are expected to be operating by the end of the year.

Alstom signalling contract for lines 1 and 2

In October 2023, Alstom said it had secured the contract for a new signalling system. It will support automatic train operation (ATO) on lines 1 and 2. In addition, the agreement covers 48 automatic train control (ATC) units. These will be installed on the CRRC fleet. Meanwhile, it also covers the construction of a new operations control centre (OCC).

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