The Federal Audit Court (TCU) decided on Wednesday (26) that the oversight of the public-private partnership (PPP) for the construction of the immersed tunnel between Santos and Guarujá falls under the jurisdiction of São Paulo’s state-level control bodies. As a result, the Government of São Paulo is moving forward with the publication of the project notice, scheduled for release on February 27.
The TCU’s decision reinforces the state’s autonomy in leading the project and confirms that the model adopted by the Government of São Paulo is aligned with best regulatory practices. The auction for the concession is scheduled for August 1.
Governor Tarcísio de Freitas highlighted the importance of the project, which represents an R$ 6 billion investment and will be Brazil’s first underwater tunnel. “This is a project that has been awaited for decades by the population of the Baixada Santista. The immersed tunnel will reduce ferry lines, improve urban mobility, and enhance logistical efficiency for the Port of Santos, strengthening the region’s economy,” he said.
The Secretary for Partnerships in Investments, Rafael Benini, emphasized that the project will bring tangible benefits to the state. “The tunnel is the definitive solution for the crossing between Santos and Guarujá, improving mobility and port logistics.” He also pointed out the economic impact of the work. “This concession will attract private investment and generate jobs, driving development in the Baixada Santista.”
The tunnel structure will be 1.5 km long, including 870 meters submerged, with three traffic lanes in each direction—one of which will be dedicated to light rail (VLT)—as well as access for pedestrians and cyclists. The project is part of the São Paulo State Partnership Program (PPI-SP) and is being carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Ports and Airports, the São Paulo State Transport Regulatory Agency (Artesp), the National Waterway Transport Agency (Antaq), and the Port Authority of Santos (APS).
The official release of the notice will take place during a ceremony on Thursday (27), with the presence of Governor Tarcísio de Freitas, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and the Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho.