Key Facts
- ✓ The Novo Eldorado station began operational testing on January 13, 2026.
- ✓ The new station connects to Eldorado via a 1.7 km track extension.
- ✓ The project cost R$ 96 million and will serve 7,000 passengers daily.
- ✓ 24 new trains are being manufactured in China, with the first already arrived.
- ✓ Line 2 is scheduled for completion by 2028.
Quick Summary
Operational testing has officially begun for the Novo Eldorado station in the Belo Horizonte Metro system. The concessionaire responsible for the metro initiated the tests on Tuesday, January 13, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of Line 1. The new infrastructure is expected to begin operations in the first half of February 2026.
The expansion project connects the existing Eldorado station to the new terminal in Contagem. According to the state government, the new section of tracks measures 1.7 km in length. The terminal is designed to serve an average of 7,000 passengers per day. The project represents an investment of approximately R$ 96 million. Alongside this station opening, the state government has confirmed the arrival of the first new train from a batch of 24 currently being manufactured in China.
New Station Details and Capacity
The Estação Novo Eldorado represents a crucial step in the expansion of public transportation in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte. Located in Contagem, the station integrates into the existing Line 1 infrastructure. The state government has confirmed that the operational tests started on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The facility is scheduled to open to the public in the first half of February.
The new section of the railway is 1.7 km long. It creates a vital link between the Eldorado Station and the newly constructed terminal. The project was developed with the specific goal of improving mobility in the region. The state government reported that approximately R$ 96 million were invested to bring this project to fruition. The terminal is projected to handle a significant volume of daily commuters.
The expansion is expected to serve an average of 7,000 passengers daily. This increase in capacity will help alleviate congestion in the area and provide a more efficient commute for residents of Contagem and surrounding neighborhoods. The integration of this new station is part of a broader strategy to modernize the city's transport network.
Fleet Modernization and New Trains 🚆
In addition to the infrastructure expansion, the government of Minas Gerais has announced significant updates to the metro's rolling stock. A total of 24 new trains are currently being manufactured in China specifically for the Belo Horizonte Metro system. The first of these new units has already arrived in Brazil, signaling the start of a major fleet renewal process.
The acquisition of these new trains was part of the original concession contract. However, the timeline was accelerated by two years following an agreement between the government and the concessionaire. The new trains will operate on both Line 1 and the upcoming Line 2. According to the state government, the vehicles feature technological innovations designed to make transport more efficient, sustainable, safe, and comfortable for users.
Current System and Future Expansion
Currently, the Belo Horizonte Metro consists of a single operational line. This line spans approximately 28 km and includes 19 stations. The addition of the Novo Eldorado station is the immediate expansion, but the concession contract also outlines a much larger development plan for the system.
Beyond the Line 1 extension, the contract mandates the construction of a completely new Line 2. This future line is planned to cover approximately 10.5 km and will feature seven distinct stations. The planned stations for Line 2 are:
The construction of Line 2 is currently underway. The state government has set a target to conclude these works by 2028. This expansion aims to significantly increase the reach and efficiency of public transit in the Greater Belo Horizonte area.
