Work on the Santos–Guarujá tunnel suffers setback with blocking of R$ 2.6 billion by the TCU

O Union Court of Auditors determined the precautionary suspension of federal resources allocated to the construction of the tunnel between Santos e Guarujáone of the main mobility and logistics projects planned for the country.

The decision involves approximately R$2.6 billion that would be contributed by the Union, through the Santos Port Authoritywithin the public-private partnership (PPP) model structured to make the project viable.

According to the court, the suspension occurs due to the absence of a clear governance model and the lack of formal legal instruments that guarantee control, supervision and transparency in the application of public resources.

Among the main points raised by the TCU are the risks related to the management of federal values ​​and the lack of definition regarding institutional responsibilities in monitoring the project. The body understands that, without these guarantees, there is a possibility of failures in the execution and adequate use of resources.

As part of the decision, the Government of the State of São Paulo and the Port Authority will have a period of 30 days to present a structured governance model. The plan must include clear accountability rules, monitoring mechanisms and definition of responsibilities between the entities involved.

Despite the suspension, the measure is considered preventive and does not, at this time, represent the cancellation of the project. The expectation is that, after the required adjustments, resources can be released and the work schedule maintained.

The Santos–Guarujá tunnel is seen as a strategic project for urban mobility and logistical efficiency in the port region. The proposal provides for an underwater crossing between the two cities, significantly reducing travel time, which today can reach up to an hour by road or around 18 minutes by ferry.

When completed, the project should become the first submerged tunnel in Brazil, with a direct impact on the fluidity of traffic and the competitiveness of the Baixada Santista port complex.