INAH approves six sections of the Mayan Train

INAH approves six sections of the Mayan Train in which the archaeological salvage has been completed and operations could begin.

The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) has granted its approval to six of the seven sections of the Tren Maya project.

This important transportation infrastructure, which is being built in the southeastern region of Mexico, has been the subject of careful and rigorous scrutiny by the INAH due to its potential impact on the cultural and archaeological heritage of the region.

The general director of the INAH, Diego Prieto Hernández, has recently announced that sections 1 to 5, as well as section 7, have received full approval from the institution.

These sections cover routes that go from the majestic city of Palenque in Chiapas to the coastal jewel of Tulum in Quintana Roo, as well as from Chetumal to Escárcega in Campeche.

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This announcement is a significant milestone in the development of the Mayan Train project, as it demonstrates considerable progress and a commitment to protecting the region’s cultural and archaeological heritage.

In addition, Hernández shared details about the archaeological salvage work that is carried out in parallel to the construction of the Mayan Train. This work is vitally important, as it ensures that every effort is made to protect and preserve the archaeological treasures discovered during the construction works.

In relation to section 6, which connects Tulum with Chetumal, Hernández reported that a 95.59% progress has been achieved in terms of approval. However, there are still two areas where field work is taking place, and these must be completed before this stretch can receive full approval.

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INAH approves six sections of the Mayan Train

Parallel to the construction and approval work, the INAH is also busy with the task of collecting, cleaning, classifying, and restoring the archaeological artifacts that have been salvaged during the works.

Until now, the INAH has recovered more than 53,000 properties, such as bases, residential areas, dams, and roads, and has analyzed more than 927,000 ceramic fragments, all of them from sections 1 to 5. In addition, almost 2 thousand mobile objects, mainly metal and ceramic, and 741 vessels are being restored.

The INAH has also documented the presence of 527 human burials and more than a thousand natural features believed to be associated with the presence of human groups. These discoveries offer fascinating insight into the ancient civilizations that once inhabited the region and provide a valuable resource for researchers.

Hernández also highlighted the Program for the Improvement of Archaeological Zones (PROMEZA), which is concentrating intensively on 26 zones in the states of Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán and Quintana Roo.

A notable example of PROMEZA’s efforts is the Xcalumkín Archaeological Zone, an ancient settlement that was part of the Puuc region. Located in the current municipality of Hecelchakán, in the northern part of Campeche, this 1,500-year-old site is a reminder of the rich history of the region.

To improve the visitor experience and preserve its historical value, this site will soon have a Visitor Service Center (CATVI). In addition, both the service infrastructure and the site museum will be improved, allowing visitors to learn and appreciate more deeply the historical and cultural significance of the site.

This is just one of the many efforts being made to ensure that the region’s rich cultural and archaeological heritage is preserved and enhanced as the Mayan Train project progresses.

INAH approves six sections of the Mayan Train

The approval of these six sections by the INAH is a great step towards the completion of the Mayan Train project. This massive infrastructure will not only improve connectivity and development in the southeastern region of Mexico, but also, thanks to the close supervision and collaboration of the INAH, will guarantee the preservation and respect of the cultural and archaeological heritage.

As the project progresses, the INAH will continue its archaeological protection and salvage work. Efforts to collect, clean, classify, restore, and document the discovered archaeological treasures will continue as the Mayan Train is built, ensuring that the region’s rich history is preserved for future generations.

The Mayan Train project is an example of how a balance can be struck between modern development and heritage preservation.

Through the approval of the sections and the continuous work of archaeological salvage, the INAH is demonstrating its commitment to the protection of the cultural and archaeological heritage of Mexico.