Serra Verde Express unveiled a new $1M TR 1000 locomotive in Curitiba, expanding its rail tourism portfolio with new short-route experiences in Paraná.
On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, Serra Verde Express officially received its newest locomotive, a TR 1000 model manufactured by TRANSFESA. The acquisition represents an investment of approximately US$ 1 million and marks a new chapter for the company behind one of Brazil’s most iconic train journeys.
Sourced in Brazil and fully rebuilt before entering service, this is the first locomotive the company owns dedicated exclusively to Paraná state. A similar unit already operates the Trem da República experience in the interior of São Paulo.
New experiences on the tracks
Unlike the locomotives leased from Rumo — the rail infrastructure concessionaire — that pull trains on the classic Curitiba–Morretes route through the Atlantic Forest, the new unit will serve shorter urban routes. It will power experiences such as mini rail tours and the Expresso Classique, which blend tourism, gastronomy, and culture on rails within the city.
The locomotive also supports upcoming projects from the company, including the Praça das Nações Ferroviárias and the Estação Jaime Lerner, set to launch soon.
29 years and nearly 5 million passengers
Serra Verde Express celebrates 29 years of operations in 2026, with projections to reach the milestone of 5 million total passengers carried. Recent figures underscore the demand: during the 2025-2026 peak season alone — December through March 1 — approximately 85,000 passengers traveled through the Serra do Mar mountain range.
“Rail tourism is at the core of who we are. We believe in the train as an experience, as heritage, and as an engine of regional development. This locomotive is one more concrete step in consolidating that purpose.” — Adonai Arruda, CEO of Serra Verde Express
Arruda also underscores the city’s strategic role. “Curitiba has a railway vocation. The city must nurture this asset and integrate it further into regional tourism. The train connects destinations, drives economic flow, and honors history. We keep doing our part — continuously investing in infrastructure, experience, and innovation,” he stated.
Technical specifications
The TR 1000 weighs 70 metric tons, features four axles, and measures 11.4 meters in length, running on metric-gauge (1,000 mm) track. It is powered by a Caterpillar 3512 rebuild diesel engine, with an available output of 1,000 HP and a total output of 1,200 HP.
Tractive effort reaches 11,000 kgf, allowing it to haul up to 11 carriages — roughly 80 metric tons. The fuel tank holds 1,514 liters, with a consumption rate of 4 liters per kilometer. Additional features include a 26L brake system, 3CDC air compressor, 761 traction motor, GT 581 generator, and a cab air-conditioning unit.
Photo: Divulgação
Gostou do nosso conteúdo?
Seu apoio faz toda a diferença para continuarmos produzindo material de qualidade! Se você apreciou o post, deixe seu comentário, compartilhe com seus amigos. Sua ajuda é fundamental para que possamos seguir em frente! 😊