Mexico City – During yesterday morning’s press conference at the National Palace, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador announced progress on the Maya Train project. A new section from Escárcega to Chetumal is expected to be completed in August, paving the way for the entire 1,554-kilometer route to be operational by September.
The number of trains will also increase significantly. Currently, there are 16 trains in service. This number will rise to 30 by the end of López Obrador’s term and is projected to reach 40 in the early months of the following administration.
Long-distance trains with amenities like restaurants and sleeping quarters are expected to arrive in September as well. The president mentioned ongoing briefings with incoming president Claudia Sheinbaum, who accompanied him on a recent tour to inspect the final stages of construction, where 120,000 workers are still employed.
President López Obrador anticipates the project’s completion on September 7th or 8th, with all stations and trains operational. He expressed optimism about the project’s potential to boost tourism, highlighting the region’s natural beauty and cultural significance.
“It’s a paradise,” he said, referencing ecological reserves, rainforests, and Mayan archaeological sites undergoing restoration. He emphasized the project’s multifaceted benefits, which include expanding the Calakmul reserve and protecting diverse wildlife.
The president also reassured the public about responsible fiscal management. His administration is committed to leaving no outstanding debts and ensuring the new government has sufficient resources to maintain the current level of public investment and job creation.
