Hidalgo’s Government to Develop Pachuca-AIFA Rail Link
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Hidalgo’s Government to Develop Pachuca-AIFA Rail Link

Photo by:   Jeremiah Higgins
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Fernando Mares By Fernando Mares | Journalist & Industry Analyst - Mon, 02/20/2023 - 17:18

The federal government’s efforts to improve connectivity to the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) are drawing the attention of local governments that also want to connect with AIFA and Mexico City, as is the case of Hidalgo, whose state government believes a railway connection could boost the local economy and social conditions. 

According to the Head of the state’s Planning and Foresight Unit, Miguel Tello, the government of Hidalgo is calculating the required investment to connect Pachuca City with AIFA via a railroad. So far, he said the amount lies between MX$8 billion (US$434.7 million) and MX$20 billion (US$1.8 billion). He added that if the project materializes, it could benefit over 50,000 users a day.

Tello mentioned that his administration aims to develop a comprehensive project connecting with AIFA as well as with Buenavista, the Suburban Train’s first station, which will link with the airport, too. If these connections are developed, the number of benefited users could go up to 180,000/d. 

The project is planned to move along the Mexico-Pachuca, highway, the main road from Pachuca to AIFA and one of Mexico’s busiest highways. 

However, Tello said the government has not determined whether the train will be a light rail or a regular one. He added it is not yet clear whether the project will be granted to a private developer. “But it is a fact that in the coming months, we will deliver the work plan. We have been in talks with the offices for highway and railroad development, the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) and other players involved,” Tello continued.

Tello highlighted that US, EU and Mexican companies are interested in carrying out studies or constructing the rail line. 

According to local authorities, the train would not only benefit AIFA’s users but everyone in the area. “There are over 1,300 students from the Universidad Politécnica de Hidalgo that could use the train if it is affordable,” said Tolcayuca’s Mayor, Gastón Valdespino. He added that the train may also boost exchanges between the state and Mexico City. 

If the project materializes, it would be the second railroad connection to AIFA. In 2022, the government announced that the Suburban Train that goes from Buenavista to Lecheria was to be expanded to AIFA. According to SICT, the project reports 39% progress and will be ready by the end of 2023. 
 

Photo by:   Jeremiah Higgins

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