Electrifying Connectivity: CFE to Power Mexico's Mayan Train

During his morning press conference, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador unveiled that Mexico's Federal Electricity Commission created an integral electrical system for the double-electrified track of the Mayan Train. Spanning 690km from Merida, Yucatan, to Chetumal, Quintana Roo, this electrified track constitutes 44% of the 1,554km route that aims to connect five southeastern states.

The CFE is carrying out 53 electrical infrastructure works. Among them is the construction of seven Tractor Electrical Substations strategically positioned to connect the train to the electrical grid, regulate energy voltage and provide traction power. Three of these substations will be between Merida and Cancun, Quintana Roo, while the other four will be between Cancun and Chetumal. 

The infrastructure work entails an investment of MX$6.59 billion (US$393 million), creating 2,100 direct and 1,422 indirect jobs. A total of 10 contractors, 24 subcontractors and 70 suppliers are involved, using over 350 units of machinery and equipment alongside more than 720,000 tons of primary materials such as reinforcing steel, concrete and bench material.

With an additional investment of MX$1.59 billion (US$94 million), the CFE is also building 556km of medium voltage lines, essential for providing electricity to the 170 services required for the operation of the Mayan Train. These services encompass 119 technical booths, 34 stations and stops, six workshops and garages, eight maintenance bases and three buildings for SEDENA. Furthermore, the Kanasin, Tulum and Insurgentes substations are undergoing enhancement to bolster their capacity.

To meet the energy demand of the Mayan Train and the Yucatan Peninsula, the CFE is promoting the construction of two combined cycle power plants located in Merida and Valladolid, which will meet the region's growing energy demand, estimated at 2.9 million users.

Maite Ramos, Country Managing Director, Alstom, revealed that 32 of the 42 convoys planned for the Mayan Train will have two engines: diesel and electric. This offers several advantages, such as energy efficiency, performance and reduced emissions. The remaining ten will use ultra-low sulfur diesel, minimizing the project's environmental footprint.

As the project advances, about 465 workers organized in 90 crews will be responsible for the railway line and catenary supervision. They will maintain the seven traction circuits and remotely monitor the electrical infrastructure from the Central Control Post (PCC).

The first section of the Mayan train project, which stands at 56% completion, is expected to start operating by December 2023