The project to build an exclusive path for pilgrims along Via Dutra is in the feasibility study phase. However, there is still no definition of the route, cost or deadline for starting the works, according to the National Land Transport Agency (ANTT).
The proposal seeks to increase the safety of pilgrims walking towards the National Sanctuary of Aparecida, especially during Patron Saint's Day, on October 12th.
This year, the Sanctuary received 200,295 devotees on the holiday, a historic record for the Patron Saint Festival. The number was 32% higher than that recorded on the same day in 2025.
The movement of pilgrims on foot also broke a record. According to the concessionaire RioSP, 52 thousand pilgrims passed through the Moreira César toll plaza, in Pindamonhangaba (SP), between October 1st and 12th, an increase of 30% compared to the same period last year.
During the party, vice-president Geraldo Alckmin (PSB) stated that the review of the Dutra concession included a sidewalk of around 134 kilometers, between Guarulhos, Arujá and Aparecida, in addition to a cycle path.
In response to g1, ANTT informed that the project is still in the Technical, Economic and Environmental Feasibility Study (EVTEA) phase. The extension considered in the study does not mean that the entire stretch will receive an exclusive structure for pedestrians or cyclists.
People on pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Aparecida, in 2026. — Photo: Jornal Nacional/ Reproduction
What did Alckmin say?
During a visit to Aparecida, on October 12, Alckmin stated that the proposal provides a passage for pilgrims who currently walk close to the highways.
“So, we will have the bike lane and we will have the sidewalk so people don’t walk on the shoulder of the Dutra or Ayrton Senna highways, which are very dangerous,” he stated.
The vice-president also mentioned two additional lanes on Dutra, between São José dos Campos and Aparecida, to reduce congestion.
Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and other politicians at the Basilica of Aparecida this year. — Photo: Marcelo Sarlo/g1/Arquivo
How is the study going and what will be the route?
ANTT authorized the concessionaire Motiva RioSP to prepare the EVTEA through Deliberation No. 416, of October 31, 2025. The study considers the stretch of BR-116 between kilometers 70 and 204.
In July and August 2026, participatory meetings were held in Aparecida and Guarulhos. The deadline for submitting contributions was September 4th.
The concessionaire informed that it asked ANTT for technical guidelines prepared based on the comments received and plans to present the study within 45 days after receiving them.
The definitive route, the municipalities covered and the extent of the interventions have not yet been defined. There is also no confirmation about the inclusion of a cycle path.
How much will it cost and when will the work begin?
There is still no approved investment estimate, definition of who will pay for the work or forecast for the start and completion of the work.
According to ANTT, the possibility of including new investments will be analyzed during the five-year review of Dutra's concession contract.
The current contract provides for operational actions related to Caminho dos Romeiros, but does not include a continuous and segregated structure for pedestrians along the entire route. Any change will depend on studies, technical evaluation, approval by the competent bodies and contractual formalization.
Pilgrimage 2026 towards Aparecida. — Photo: Reproduction/Rede Vanguarda
What does the dealership say?
In a statement, Motiva RioSP stated that it supports initiatives to increase the safety of pilgrims and participates in discussions with public bodies on the topic.
While the project is being evaluated, the company highlighted actions such as Romaria Segura 2026 and the promotion of the Rota da Luz, an alternative pilgrimage path that seeks to reduce walkers' exposure to intense highway traffic.
