Arévalo and López Obrador Resume the Mayan Train Project

A direct connection between El Ceibo and Tikal, covering less than 150 kilometers. Arévalo and López Obrador Resume the Mayan Train Project.

Bilateral Meeting in Tapachula

In a recent meeting in Tapachula, Chiapas, the president of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, discussed with his Guatemalan counterpart, Bernardo Arévalo, the possibility of extending the Mayan Train and the Interoceanic Train to Guatemala.

This meeting, held on May 17, highlighted the intention of both leaders to strengthen the railway connection between the two countries, although specific details about the project have not yet been disclosed.

López Obrador highlighted the importance of integrating the region, highlighting the cultural and natural similarities between Mexico and Guatemala.

“It is essential to connect this area, ancient cradle of the Mayan civilization, respecting national sovereignty but recognizing our shared roots,” stated the Mexican president.

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Interconnection with Guatemala

The Mexican president also mentioned the possibility of extending Line K of the Interoceanic Train, which currently connects Chiapas with Oaxaca, to Tecún Umán in Guatemala.

This railway line could be revitalized and expanded to strengthen the connection between the two countries.

Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Bárcena noted that the expansion of the Mayan Train could connect not only with Guatemala, but also with Belize, creating a regional development corridor.

According to López Obrador, “we have agreed to advance the extension of the Ixtepec-Ciudad Hidalgo railway line, adjacent to Tecún Umán, to Guatemala. It is a project that promotes the integration of our nations and highlights our common heritage.”

Projects of the Mayan Train and the Interoceanic Train

The Mayan Train, one of the emblematic projects of the López Obrador government, connects five states in southern Mexico through more than 1,500 kilometers of railway tracks.

This train, with 21 stations, aims to revitalize the regional economy and highlight the cultural wealth of the Mexican south and southeast, including the Riviera Maya and the Caribbean.

The stop in Tenosique, Tabasco, is located just 44 kilometers from the Guatemalan border. This would facilitate the extension of the route to Guatemala, allowing a direct connection between El Ceibo and Tikal, covering less than 150 additional kilometers.

The integration of the Mayan Train with Guatemala could promote tourism and strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two nations.

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Arévalo and López Obrador Resume the Mayan Train Project

On the other hand, the Interoceanic Train is a key project that seeks to connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through Mexico.

Signed in 2022, the contract between Compañía Desarrollo Ferroviaria, S.A. (Ferrovías) and the company Remed S.A. contemplates the rehabilitation and operation of 265 kilometers of roads.

However, this project faces challenges due to the presence of human settlements and the need to negotiate rights of way.

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Arévalo and López Obrador Resume the Mayan Train Project

To date, only one station has been built in Ayutla, Guatemala, which runs through the community of El Jobo. This development underlines the need to address local concerns and ensure that the project benefits all parties involved.

Arévalo and López Obrador Resume the Mayan Train Project

The meeting between López Obrador and Arévalo marks a significant step towards railway integration between Mexico and Guatemala.

The expansion of the Mayan Train and the Interoceanic Train promises not only to improve connectivity, but also to strengthen cultural and economic ties between both countries.