Riviera Maya, Q.R. — Studies have begun for the construction of cargo tracks to connect Tren Maya as a transport route. On Thursday, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo indicated that the second stage of the Maya Train, cargo, has begun in the southeastern part of the country.
She says studies have been started that will allow the eventual construction of the tracks for freight transportation. Andrés Lajous, Coordinator of the Mexican Railway Transport Regulatory Agency, confirmed that studies have begun.
Both sides have also confirmed that construction of the freight train tracks will be the responsibility of the National Defense Secretariat (Sedena).
It was in August when Sheinbaum first hinted at the possibility of the Maya Train being used for cargo. At the time, then-president-elect Sheinbaum said within two to two-and-a-half years, Tren Maya would connect with the Port of Progreso as a cargo train.
The connection would be made via an extension project constructed by the Ministry of National Defense and cost around 35 billion pesos.
In addition to the studies to build the railways for the Maya Train freight services, progress is also being made with development plans led by the Secretariat of Agrarian, Territorial and Urban Development (Sedatu) to prevent the start up of new irregular settlements on federal land which would affect the route and progress of the project.
