President said in AM that he will resume logistics works in the North, but projects have been held up for years due to lawsuits and environmental pressure
The president (PT) stated this Wednesday (May 27, 2026) that he intends to unlock 2 of the most controversial works in the Amazon: BR-319 and Ferrogrão. In an interview with Rede Amazônica, in Manaus, he said that the highway between Manaus and Porto Velho will be “the most environmentally well-situated on the planet” and declared that the government “will build” the railway aimed at transporting grain from the Center-West.
Lula stated that there are no longer obstacles to the advancement of BR-319, the highway that connects Manaus to Porto Velho and has become a symbol of the clash between development and environmental preservation in the Amazon.
“What’s missing? There’s nothing left. We just need to start doing it now”he declared. The central section of the road has remained without continuous paving for decades.
According to the president, the government intends to adopt environmental control mechanisms along the road to prevent the spread of deforestation and irregular occupations. “This highway will be the best environmentally situated highway on planet Earth”he stated.
The Lula government included BR-319 in the New PAC (Growth Acceleration Program) and is trying to move forward with environmental studies and recovery projects. Licensing, however, remains surrounded by controversy.
During the interview, Lula also once again defended Ferrogrão, a railway planned to connect Sinop (MT) to the port of Miritituba, in Itaituba (PA), to facilitate exports of soy and corn through Arco Norte. “If there is one thing I can guarantee, we will do it at Ferrogrão”he declared.
The project is treated by agribusiness as strategic to reduce logistics costs and increase the competitiveness of Brazilian exports.
The railway, however, faces resistance from indigenous and environmental organizations. The route passes close to the Jamanxim National Park, a protected area in southwestern Pará.
In March 2026, the Federal Supreme Court removed part of the park to allow the Ferrogrão project to move forward. The decision was taken by the 1st Panel of the Court when rejecting Psol’s appeal against changes made by provisional measure issued during the government of former president Michel Temer (MDB).
Even with the favorable decision in the Supreme Court, the project still depends on advances in environmental licensing and technical studies.
“Often people announce something in the press that is not happening”said Lula.
The interview was given during Lula’s schedule in Manaus, where the president
