Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – President Claudia Sheinbaum has set in motion one of her key campaign promises: promoting the return of passenger trains across Mexico. On Thursday, alongside members of her cabinet, Sheinbaum announced that preliminary construction will begin in the first half of next year. The ambitious project aims to lay over 3,000 kilometers of railway tracks, connecting the capital with the northern regions of the country. The initiative will kick off in 2025 with four key sections totaling approximately 786 kilometers.
The first four sections are:
- Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) to Pachuca, Hidalgo: This route will pass through municipalities such as Zumpango, Temascalapa, Tizayuca, and Zempoala.
- Mexico City to Querétaro: Enhancing connectivity between the capital and one of the country’s major industrial hubs.
- Saltillo, Coahuila to Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas: Strengthening links in the northern border region.
- Querétaro to Irapuato, Guanajuato: Connecting key cities in the Bajío region.
The entire project is scheduled for completion by 2029 and will be executed in four annual phases:
- Second Phase: Construction of 910 kilometers of tracks to connect Querétaro with San Luis Potosí; Mazatlán with Los Mochis in Sinaloa; and Irapuato with Guadalajara, Jalisco.
- Third Phase: Addition of 1,145 kilometers to link Guaymas with Hermosillo in Sonora; Guadalajara with Tepic, Nayarit; San Luis Potosí with Saltillo; and Los Mochis with Guaymas.
- Fourth Phase: Finalizing with 552 kilometers connecting Tepic and Mazatlán, and Hermosillo with Nogales, Sonora.
The ultimate goal is to establish a comprehensive rail network connecting Mexico City with Nogales and Nuevo Laredo, significantly improving national connectivity.
Military Collaboration and Project Execution
Andrés Lajous, head of the Railway Transport Regulatory Agency, explained that the project will involve collaboration with various government agencies, including the Departments of Environment and Agrarian, Territorial, and Urban Development. The military, particularly the team led by General Gustavo Vallejo—known for constructing the Felipe Ángeles International Airport in Santa Lucía—will oversee two of the initial sections: AIFA to Pachuca and Mexico City to Querétaro.
General Vallejo reported that preliminary route layouts and basic engineering studies are already underway, with environmental assessments in progress. Construction for these sections is expected to commence between March and April. The AIFA to Pachuca line has a projected construction period of 18 months, while the Mexico City to Querétaro route is anticipated to take 30 months to complete.
The other two sections will be developed through public tenders managed by the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport, which will also handle the acquisition of the trains.
Boosting Regional Connectivity and Security
The new passenger lines will offer both intercity services between major cities and regional services with stops in smaller municipalities, aiming to facilitate mobility and stimulate local economies. Lajous emphasized that the project seeks to enhance security and connectivity across various parts of the country. For the upcoming year alone, a budget of approximately 157 billion pesos has been allocated, which also includes work on the Maya freight train.
Expanding the Maya Train Project
The Sheinbaum administration plans to complement and enhance the existing Maya Train—a flagship project from the previous administration—to increase its competitiveness. The strategy involves utilizing existing infrastructure to introduce a cargo train service, though additional construction will be necessary.
Plans include establishing 10 cargo complexes:
- Five Intermodal Terminals: Equipped with warehouses, maintenance workshops, and administrative buildings, these will be located in Cancún, Chetumal, Palenque, Progreso, and Poxilá.
- Four Operations Yards: Smaller cargo terminals situated in Valladolid, Escárcega, Xpujil, and Pomuch.
- Fuel Loading Spur: To be installed in Tulum for efficient fuel distribution.
Timeline and Investment
The first phase of this expansion is slated to run from January 2025 to June 2026. During this period, four intermodal terminals will be built, new tracks laid, and a bypass constructed to improve access. The estimated budget for this phase is around 38.3 billion pesos.
Sheinbaum lauded the Maya Train as a success and announced the upcoming inauguration of the final pending tourist section from the previous administration, connecting Palenque to Chetumal, scheduled for December. “What do we need to give it more strength? The freight train, which was planned from the beginning, and I have now requested that construction begin next year,” she stated.
A Vision for the Future
The revival of passenger and freight trains marks a significant investment in Mexico’s infrastructure, promising to enhance connectivity, boost regional economies, and improve overall security. The Sheinbaum government’s commitment to this extensive project reflects a forward-looking vision aimed at fostering sustainable development and uniting the nation through improved transportation networks.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - President Claudia Sheinbaum has set in motion one of her key campaign promises: promoting the return of passenger trains across Mexico. On Thursday, alongside members of her cabinet, Sheinbaum announced that preliminary construction will begin in the first half of next year. The ambitious project aims to lay over 3,000 kilometers of railway tracks, connecting the capital with the northern regions of the country. The initiative will kick off in 2025 with four key sections totaling approximately 786 kilometers.
