The Mixed Operation of the Mayan Train as a Pillar of Efficiency and Competitiveness for Mexico

Mixed operations in the Mexican rail system represent a strategic opportunity to strengthen mobility and freight transportation within the country, consolidating the Maya Train as a benchmark for efficiency and competitiveness.

This system, which integrates the simultaneous circulation of passenger and freight trains on the same infrastructure, is the result of an innovative approach aimed at optimizing resources and maximizing benefits for Mexican society.

One of the main benefits of this scheme is the intelligent use of investment, since a single rail network meets two fundamental needs:

the transportation of people and the movement of goods, contributing to the economic and social development of the region.

This dual use of the rail infrastructure makes the Maya Train an engine of progress serving everyone.

“Made in Mexico” Recognition is a Symbol of Pride for the Mayan Train

International experience supports this model, with successful cases in Europe, where precise schedule coordination gives priority to passenger transport during the day and freight at night.

In North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, infrastructure has specialized in freight handling, while passenger transport is carried out under specific agreements.

Meanwhile, China has developed mixed corridors that combine high-speed and freight transport, demonstrating the viability and benefits of this joint operation.

However, implementing mixed operations entails facing technical and logistical challenges.

Among the main challenges are the difference in speeds between passenger trains—which can reach up to 160 km/h—and freight trains, which travel at lower speeds.

This requires rigorous schedule management and careful track capacity planning to ensure safe and efficient operations.

To overcome these challenges, the Maya Train incorporates cutting-edge solutions, such as the installation of strategic sidings of at least 1.5 kilometers, the construction of double-track sections in high-demand areas, and the implementation of advanced control systems, such as the RTMS, considered the project’s digital intelligence center.

These mechanisms allow for dynamic management of train paths, reduce wait times between trains, and enable safe passing, in addition to facilitating real-time rescheduling in the event of any eventuality.

The Maya Train’s rail infrastructure meets the highest international standards, with tracks designed to withstand high axle loads and maintain the appropriate geometry for the safe operation of high-speed passenger trains, without sacrificing durability.

Likewise, the yards and accesses for freight trains are located off the main track, avoiding interruptions in rail flow.

The design and operation of the Maya Train are informed by lessons learned from other countries, adapting best practices to the Mexican reality.

The goal is to create a unique model that combines technical efficiency, operational flexibility, and maximum safety, positioning Mexico at the forefront of modern rail transportation.

With this commitment, the Maya Train reaffirms its role as a key project for the logistics transformation and connectivity in Mexico, driving sustainable development and regional integration under the principles of innovation, responsibility, and institutional excellence.