The Mayan Train and the Tehuantepec Inter-Oceanic Corridor: Railway transportation is actively developing in Mexico

Over the past few years, rail transportation has been actively developing in Mexico, largely thanks to the significant support from the head of state.

The first significant development was the Mayan Train, a 1,554 km intercity line crossing the Yucatan Peninsula. Additionally, plans are in place to launch freight trains connecting Mexico's Pacific coast with the Gulf of Mexico. This route could potentially serve as an alternative to the Panama Canal, as reported by The Loadstar website.

More recently, the president has highlighted the importance of freight rail infrastructure for passenger transportation development. Following initial statements, on November 20, he decreed that the state has the authority to utilize freight rail routes for passenger transportation. Railroad companies with freight concessions can also engage in passenger transportation, while those without concessions must permit third-party passenger transportation on their tracks.

The industry reacted to the decree with caution. Oscar Del Cueto, president of the Mexican rail carriers' association AMF, stated that the organization did not oppose the scheme, as an analysis showed no impact on freight traffic. He emphasized the need for appropriate infrastructure and human resources for its success.

Mauricio de la Cerda, head of North American development at digital freight forwarder Nowports, noted that the railroad infrastructure is quite old and inefficient. He added that the current rail network capacity would be necessary to handle future freight volumes if growth continues as expected.

Mexican railroad giant Grupo Mexico Transportes (GMXT) has shown interest in developing passenger traffic, and CPKC has proposed passenger service on its line from the Mexican capital to Laredo for further study.

The carrier is focused on growth in Mexico, reporting strong fourth-quarter results driven by traffic to and from Mexico. Management plans to acquire 1,000 reefer trucks to initiate a Mexico-US reefer service from San Luis Potosi.

Interest in another rail project in Mexico has been revived due to growth driven by coastal shoring and Panama Canal issues. Trade officials have begun advocating for the Tehuantepec Interoceanic Corridor project, an intermodal rail link between the ports of Coatzacoalcos and Salina Cruz. Spanning approximately 300 km, it represents the shortest route between Mexico's Pacific coast and the Gulf of Mexico.

Mr. de la Cerda mentioned that the project has been shelved for some time, stating, "It was never brought up. There was no need; there were other priorities."

The concept is not viewed solely as an alternative to the Panama Canal but rather as part of broader economic and logistical development in the region.

Earlier, Travel Wise talked about the best neighborhoods and districts of Mexico City and what they are interesting for tourists.