Development of Transport in São Paulo: First Monorail Train from China

In June 2024, the first monorail train from China arrived in the Brazilian city of São Paulo, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

A total of 14 monorail trains have been ordered for the construction of Line 17 (Gold), with the second train expected by the end of the year. The remaining trains will be delivered by the Chinese company BYD by 2025.

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The testing process for the first trains will commence immediately after connecting the cars into a single unit.

To ensure safety and operational approval, all necessary tests and certifications will be conducted.

Line 17 will be automated, using a radio-based train control system (CBTC), enhancing its efficiency and reliability.

The new monorail train consists of five cars and can transport 616 passengers, with seating for 114.

Special attention has been given to passengers with limited mobility, providing designated seating areas for them.

The train cars are meticulously designed: the first and last cars are 13.5 meters long, while the intermediate cars are 10 meters long, making the total train length 60.8 meters. Each car is equipped with two 1.6-meter-wide doors for quick and convenient boarding and alighting.

The monorail train will travel on an 800-millimeter-wide concrete supporting structure.

Each car is equipped with two bogies featuring traction motors, support, guiding, and stabilizing wheels.

The train’s maximum speed will be 80 km/h, powered by a 750 V DC electrical system. In case of main power failure, the train can continue to the next station using built-in battery packs.

The launch of Line 17, spanning 17.7 km, is scheduled for June 2026.

This marks a significant step in improving São Paulo’s transportation network, as Line 17 will be the city’s first monorail line within the metro system.

Introducing monorail trains will greatly enhance passenger comfort and speed of travel, while reducing strain on other forms of transportation.

Thus, the delivery of the first monorail train from China to São Paulo represents not only a technological breakthrough but also a crucial event in the development of urban infrastructure.

The new trains promise to improve residents’ quality of life by providing fast, safe, and convenient transportation services.

Photo: CMSP

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