Potential Expansion of the Mayan Train to All of Mexico

The monumental railway project does not stop giving new surprises, the Potential Expansion of the Mayan Train now expands the mobility panorama throughout Mexico.

López Obrador, president of Mexico, has hinted at his ambitions to expand the Mayan Train network to the country’s most prominent metropolises: Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.

This announcement suggests a promising reconfiguration of rail transportation in Mexico.

Potential Expansion of the Mayan Train

The Mayan Train, which already has a prominent presence in the south, could find its way north, with extensions to the territories of Jalisco, Sinaloa and Sonora.

This decision depends largely on the companies that currently manage freight rail routes. If such companies choose not to adapt their operations to accommodate passenger traffic, López Obrador suggests that the project could be left in the hands of the Armed Forces.

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The president has expressed concern regarding the existing concession conditions and is considering an agreement. If concessionaire companies do not wish to adapt to changing demands, the president has outlined alternative plans.

One idea is to concession some roads to the Secretary of the Navy. This could integrate the Isthmus railway network, already managed by the Navy, with Veracruz and Mexico City.

Another plan includes the expansion of the Mayan Train to Guadalajara, Sinaloa and Nogales, while an alternative route would be drawn up to Querétaro, San Luis, Monterrey and Nuevo Laredo.

Additionally, it has been proposed that the government, in collaboration with national companies, renew and manage the railways, establishing specific schedules for freight and passenger trains.

According to the president, these proposals seek not only to modernize the country’s infrastructure, but also to benefit the Mexican people and tourists who visit the country and look for an easy and economical way to get around.

As the project takes shape, Communications Secretary Jorge Nuño will play an essential role. Having recently been invited to Washington to meet with the US Secretary of Transportation, López Obrador is confident in his ability to ensure that the terms of any existing clauses in concession contracts are respected.

The president’s primary goal is not to revoke existing concessions. Rather, he wants concessionaire companies to consider expanding their operations to include passenger services. By doing so, the economy could be boosted, taking advantage, for example, of the train manufacturing capacity in places like Sahagún.

However, the president has also been realistic in admitting that, given the scope of the project, it likely will not be completed during his administration. Still, he is hopeful of laying the groundwork for future administrations to continue this monumental effort.

Additionally, with the global trend away from fossil fuels, the president sees a future in which Mexico’s electrified rail network plays a leading role in national transportation.