During a weekend progress tour, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador shared that the long-awaited inauguration of the Interoceanic Railway of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec will take place toward the end of December. This ambitious project is set to revolutionize international trade by connecting the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, offering a viable alternative to the Panama Canal.
President López Obrador highlighted the challenges facing the Panama Canal, including water shortages, which have led to saturation issues. The Interoceanic Train promises to provide a more reliable and efficient option.
The Interoceanic Train is part of the broader Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec initiative, driven by the Mexican government. It’s not just about transportation; it includes the creation of development poles and industrial parks along its path, which are expected to generate employment opportunities for the region.
“Industrial parks and development poles, each covering around 300 hectares, will be established along the Isthmus. Companies and assembly plants will create employment, contributing to the local economy,” AMLO explained.
An additional benefit of this project is the revival of passenger trains, which were privatized during the neoliberal era. This symbolic return of passenger rail service is expected to be met with nostalgia and enthusiasm. Furthermore, the project is set to enhance living conditions for the residents of Veracruz and Oaxaca.
“This is a project that has a great future, which is not only bringing joy to people because it is nostalgic, which is returning the passenger railway, but it also means progress,” he said adding that the inauguration date will be December 22, 2023.