RAIL TRANSPORT IN BRAZIL: IMPORTANCE, CHALLENGES, AND ADVANTAGES OVER ROAD TRANSPORT

Abstract

This article analyzes the relevance of rail transport in the Brazilian economic context, highlighting its contribution to cargo flow, logistics cost reduction, and the strengthening of international competitiveness. The methodology is bibliographic and qualitative, based on official data from ANTT, CNT, BNDES, and the Ministry of Transport. The results show that railway investment is an essential driver of sustainable development, with the potential to increase GDP, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance national logistics efficiency. Moreover, the study compares the performance of rail and road transport, emphasizing the advantages of rail in cost, sustainability, and safety.