VLI completes rail maintenance workshop expansion in Brazil
Brazilian logistics company VLI has completed the expansion of its railway maintenance workshop in Cariacica, Espírito Santo, strengthening its operational capabilities along the Vitória–Minas Railway, one of the country’s important freight transport corridors.
The project, completed in October 2026, involved an investment of R$60 million and forms part of the company’s broader R$600 million programme to develop its rail freight operations in the states of Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais.
The upgraded facility is designed to improve rolling stock availability, reduce maintenance-related downtime and support freight transportation across the railway network.
Expanded maintenance capabilities
Following the expansion, the Cariacica workshop can undertake preventive maintenance and light corrective repairs on locomotives, as well as manufacture parts and components for freight wagons.
The upgraded infrastructure is expected to accommodate approximately 300 maintenance interventions annually, allowing VLI to manage more of its rolling stock maintenance requirements directly.
The project has also created 60 additional jobs at the facility, increasing its workforce from approximately 180 to 240 employees.
The expanded workshop supports VLI’s operations under Brazil’s Cargo Railway Transport Agent (ATF-C) framework, which allows operators to undertake freight transportation activities using railway infrastructure operated by concession holders.
The arrangement is intended to support competition and operational efficiency within Brazil’s rail freight sector.
Part of a wider freight transport investment programme
The workshop expansion forms part of VLI’s R$600 million investment programme for freight operations on the Vitória–Minas Railway, which connects the states of Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais.
The programme was originally announced in July 2025 and included plans to acquire approximately 50 locomotives and more than 1,000 freight wagons, alongside improvements to supporting infrastructure.
According to the company’s latest operational update, it has acquired 50 locomotives and approximately 1,000 wagons as part of the programme.
The transition to the new operating model began in late 2024 and has also involved railway yard operations and the development of dedicated freight transportation capabilities.
The completion of the Cariacica workshop represents a further operational milestone within that previously announced programme rather than a newly committed investment.
By expanding its in-house maintenance capabilities, VLI aims to improve fleet availability and reduce the time locomotives spend out of service.
The investment supports the company’s wider integrated logistics activities, which combine railway transportation with port and terminal operations across Brazil.
