Perhaps, the most intriguing aspect of Morro do Túnel lies beneath the surface. This is where history intersects with urban development. Morro do Túnel is not just a geographical feature. It is a testament to Rio de Janeiro’s ever-evolving landscape.
Let’s explore the story of this remarkable location. Morro do Túnel stands as a silent witness to the city’s transformation. It is a story of tunnels. It is a story of clandestine activities. It is a story of modernization.
Our journey begins with the Gamboa Railway Tunnel. It is also known as the Marítima Tunnel. This tunnel stretches 315 meters. It cuts through the Morro da Providência.
Originally constructed in 1879 it was part of a cargo branch line. This branch belonged to the Dom Pedro II Railroad. Its purpose was to streamline the transportation of goods. These goods went to the warehouses of the Port of Rio de Janeiro.
Imagine the hustle and bustle. Trains carrying merchandise. They disappeared into the darkness of the tunnel. This connected the city center to the port. The tunnel played a vital role in Rio’s economic activity.
However, as the cargo branch line ceased operations in 1995 the tunnel closed. For years it remained abandoned. A dark chapter unfolded.
In the mid-2000s, the tunnel gained notoriety. Police discovered its use as an escape route. It became a storage site for weapons, ammunition, and drugs. Disturbingly, it was suspected as a clandestine cemetery for criminal activities. Some even speculated about the remains of Priscila Belfort. She was the sister of fighter Vitor Belfort. She disappeared in 2004.
The story of the tunnel took a turn with the Porto Maravilha project. After decades of disuse, the tunnel was included in the plans for the VLT Carioca. The city undertook a cleaning and renovation project. It aimed to integrate the tunnel into Line 2 of the VLT Carioca. This line operates between Praça XV and the Rio de Janeiro Bus Terminal.
In October 2017, the tunnel reopened. This happened with the inauguration of the complete stretch of Line 2 of the VLT. It marked a new chapter for the tunnel. It was transformed from a symbol of neglect to a vital part of the city’s transportation network.
As we stand here at Morro do Túnel, consider the layers of history beneath our feet. From its origins as a railway tunnel to its dark days as a criminal hideout and its eventual rebirth as part of the VLT Carioca. The Morro do Túnel encapsulates Rio de Janeiro’s complex narrative. It is a story of progress, decay, and ultimately renewal.