The Santos–Guarujá immersed tunnel will be the first of its kind in Brazil and is expected to boost the Baixada Santista economy by generating approximately 9,000 direct and indirect jobs. The project will benefit around 2 million residents of Santos and Guarujá, as well as thousands of tourists who travel daily between the two cities.
Currently, the connection between the municipalities is mainly made by ferries, which take an average of 18 minutes per crossing but can take up to 1 hour due to queues. Another alternative is by road, with journeys that can also last about 1 hour. With the tunnel, the trip will take approximately 5 minutes, ensuring greater speed, safety, and comfort.
With an estimated investment of R$ 6.8 billion, the project foresees public funding of up to R$ 5.1 billion, split equally between the state and federal governments. The contract also establishes a monthly payment of R$ 438.3 million, covered exclusively by the State of São Paulo over 24 years of the concession. The final value of this payment will be defined during the auction, awarded to the bidder offering the highest discount compared to the reference value. The 30-year contract covers the construction, operation, and maintenance of the project.
The tunnel will be 1.5 km long, with 870 meters under the port channel, and will feature three lanes in each direction — one dedicated to a light rail (VLT) — as well as pedestrian and cycling paths and a service gallery. The project will improve regional integration, stimulate tourism, strengthen the local economy, and reduce the area’s historical reliance on ferries.
The auction is scheduled for September 5, 2025, at 4 p.m., at B3 in São Paulo.