Mexico City – Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador announced the complete Mayan Train network, including all seven sections, stations, and depots, will be operational by August 2024. This timeline places completion one month before his term ends.
During yesterday morning’s press conference at the National Palace, López Obrador explained that the decision to build a cable-stayed bridge in Section 5 South caused a construction delay. The bridge design avoids ground perforation to minimize environmental impact on underground rivers and cenotes in that area.
“We decided to build a cable-stayed bridge instead of using pillars,” he said. “This takes more time. The bridge could have been built with pilings, but we opted for a more environmentally friendly solution.”
President López Obrador highlighted the already inaugurated sections between Cancún and Playa del Carmen, as well as completed viaducts and bridges up to Tulum. However, connection to Tulum hinges on the completion of the 200-meter cable-stayed bridge, targeted for August.
“By June, Section 7 from Chetumal to Escárcega will be operational,” he added. “Once the cable-stayed bridge is finished, the entire seven-section loop will be complete.”
He concluded by mentioning plans to visit the southeast region this weekend to oversee Mayan Train construction. Additionally, President López Obrador announced the imminent arrival of convoy number 10 for testing before being put into service. The French company Alstom was credited for the train’s construction, generating jobs in Mexico through collaboration with four Mexican companies.
