Data shows a drop in crimes of this type compared to the same period in 2023; Supervia states that the decrease was due to security measures
In 2024, more than 62.78 km of cables were stolen from , the concessionaire that operates the urban railway network in the State of Rio de Janeiro. The data encompasses the consolidated period from January to November. This is a drop of 26.2% compared to the same period in 2023, when 85.12 km were stolen.
According to Supervia, the type of crime has represented a challenge for public security in the State and for the concessionaire for some years. April 2024 was the month in which the largest length of stolen cables was recorded: 7.32 km. The smallest was October, with 4.07 km.
The concessionaire considers that the reduction observed in 2024 is influenced by a set of safety actions, including the adoption of nanomarkers, an initiative implemented by the concessionaire starting last year. This is a type of varnish applied to all cables, so that they can be identified. The measure was adopted with the expectation of inhibiting the actions of criminals.
“With the solution, which is permanent, technicians can find out from the clandestine receiver whether the cable is from the concessionaire or not. The technology also allows us to know the origin of the wire, even if the receiver burns it or shaves it, which are common practices among criminals.”records a note released by Supervia.
The concessionaire also cites the increase in the number of agents involved in Proeis (Military Police Security Integration Program): “On average, there are 6 men at each station and in the ‘belt’ – nearby stations that can also be circumvented.” Even with the drop, the scenario is a cause for concern for Supervia. “Cable theft is still a persistent problem that hinders the complex operation of trains in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro”says the note.
Wanted by Brazil Agencythe Military Police of Rio de Janeiro reported that it maintains policing around the stations and acts in support of the concessionaire whenever requested, in addition to working in partnership with local Civil Police stations to identify and arrest criminals.
According to the data presented, from January to October last year, 497 incidents were recorded, with 703 people arrested. Furthermore, the Military Police report having seized around 34 tons of cables.
The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro stated in a statement that it investigates all registered cases. “The Robbery and Theft Police Station (DRF) also carries out ongoing actions against irregular junkyards that receive this type of stolen metal material. Efforts are underway to identify and hold the entire criminal chain accountable.”records the text.
Transition
Rio de Janeiro’s urban trains travel along a network of around 270 km. There are 5 branches, 3 extensions and 104 stations. Cable theft is cited by Supervia as one of the main reasons for its financial difficulties and quality problems in service offerings. Frequent travel interruptions, as well as overcrowding of carriages, became a reality amid the crisis that has been going on for a few years.
“The theft of cables undermines all planning and affects the intervals between trains, because the command for the driver to continue the journey is now made via radio by the team of controllers working in the CCO (Operational Control Center), and no more than automatically. It’s as if the lights on an avenue had gone out and traffic control was now carried out by a guard. Therefore, trains are now traveling more slowly, to ensure operational safety and the lives of all employees and customers”says the dealership.
Supervia entered judicial recovery in 2021, recording losses reaching R$1.2 billion. At the time, she maintained that the situation resulted from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, the freezing of tariffs and public safety issues, especially the theft of cables. The state government, on the other hand, considers the .
The Gumi consortium, formed by Japanese companies that currently control Supervia, has already threatened to return the operation of urban trains a few times. At the same time, the Agência Reguladora de Serviços Públicos Concedidos de Transportes (), an agency linked to the Rio de Janeiro government that oversees transport concessions, has applied to Supervia for breach of contract, including due to lack of planned investments.
The parties managed to reach an agreement at the end of November, aiming to transition the service until a new tender was held. Supervia and the government of Rio de Janeiro aligned the bases of a process that should last 6 to 9 months.
During this period, an investment of R$450 million should be made, of which R$300 million will come from the State coffers and R$150 million from the concessionaire. The fur (Court of Justice of Rio de Janeiro) earlier this month.
With information from .
