On 3rd July 2024, Brazilian mining company Vale handed over the basic project for the Ferrovia Kennedy, the first section of the EF-118, to the government of the federal state of Espírito Santo. The 92.8 km line, which connects the municipalities of Anchieta and Presidente Kennedy, is to be connected to the state's railway network. The entire Vitoria – Rio EF-118 line is planned to run for around 577 km through 25 municipalities, including 170 km in Espírito Santo and 407 km in Rio de Janeiro. The new railway line will connect the municipalities of Anchieta, Piúma, Iconha, Rio Novo do Sul, Itapemirim, and Presidente Kennedy in Espírito Santo. The construction of ten railway bridges and seven railway viaducts is planned along the line. Vale is also supporting the socio-ecological studies for the railway project with around €600,000 (BRL 3.5 million). The contract is being awarded by the consultancy Espírito Santo em Ação, accompanied by Findes, the industry association of Espírito Santo, and under the direction of the state government. The specialised consultancy Econservation Estudos e Projetos Ambientais will be contracted with the basic socio-ecological studies for the approval. The consulting firm has two years to prepare and deliver the basic environmental studies.
