Mato Grosso advances in the restructuring of BR-163 and is nominated for the P3 Awards.

The Government of Mato Grosso, in collaboration with the National Land Transportation Agency (ANTT), has taken a decisive step toward restructuring the concession contract for BR-163/MT, one of the main road arteries in the state. This ambitious project, aimed at optimizing logistics in the region, has gained international recognition by being nominated for the prestigious "P3 Awards." This award is considered the most relevant in the field of infrastructure and concessions globally, and the awards ceremony will take place in New York on October 24. The initiative arose in response to years of problems and stagnation in the concession, which had seen construction halted for over seven years. The former operator, Odebrecht Transport, even suggested the possibility of returning the contract, which could have led to a re-bidding of the BR-163/MT section. Faced with this discouraging scenario, the Government of Mato Grosso and the ANTT joined forces to find an effective solution that would reactivate investments and improve the state’s road infrastructure. The restructuring model developed includes the signing of a Conduct Adjustment Term (TAC), which allows for the rescheduling of deadlines for the completion of works and investments, as well as the transfer of control of the concessionaire's shares to the Government of Mato Grosso, through MT Par. This strategy not only seeks to resolve existing problems but also establishes a precedent for future concessions in the country. The immediate impact of this joint effort has already become evident. According to the governor of Mato Grosso, Mauro Mendes, the resumption of work on BR-163/MT is proceeding at an accelerated pace, demonstrating that an innovative and collaborative approach can yield tangible results. Mendes emphasizes the importance of such initiatives, which not only benefit road infrastructure but also improve the quality of life for citizens by facilitating transportation and mobility. The general director of ANTT, Rafael Vitale, has also highlighted the significance of this restructuring in the context of the relationship between the public and private sectors. According to Vitale, the success of this project opens new possibilities for other contracts in the country facing similar issues. The collaboration between the Government of Mato Grosso, ANTT, and the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) has been essential to reversing a scenario that seemed unsustainable. The concessionaire Nueva Ruta del Oeste, led by Luciano Uchoa, has committed to working closely with the various sectors involved to ensure that the development of BR-163/MT is carried out effectively and safely. Uchoa has emphasized that the recognition in the P3 Awards is a validation of the collective effort made by all stakeholders involved in this project. Currently, BR-163/MT has reactivated four duplication contracts and, in less than a year, has managed to complete the first 15 kilometers of duplicated roadway. This rapid progress is a testament to the commitment of the Government of Mato Grosso and its partners to improving road infrastructure, a crucial aspect for the economic and social development of the region. In addition to the nomination for the BR-163/MT project, ANTT is also participating in three other categories at the P3 Awards, demonstrating the diversity and quality of projects being carried out in Brazil. These include public sector promotion, best operational project, and best road, bridge, or tunnel project. The international recognition that the BR-163/MT project has received not only highlights the efforts of the Government of Mato Grosso but also positions Brazil as a leader in innovation in the road infrastructure sector. With a combination of effective actions and a focus on collaboration, the country has shown that it is possible to overcome significant challenges and move toward a more promising future in terms of logistics and development. The awards ceremony in New York will serve as an ideal stage for Brazil to showcase the achievements made in the field of infrastructure. Success at the P3 Awards could open new doors for investment and development in the country, encouraging other states and governments to adopt similar models that benefit society as a whole.