Mayan Train Clears Its Path

The Mayan Train continues to be one of the government’s most talked-about and at times controversial initiatives. Just in the last few weeks, FONATUR has had more disagreements with the press while dealing with suspension orders and recommendations from judges and institutions such as CNDH. This week however, there has been nothing but great news for the embattled project. 

President López Obrador mentioned the train in his daily morning press conference today when he revealed that the announcement of the tender for the train’s fifth segment can be expected for June. This implicitly confirms that the fourth segment was adjudicated with no tendering or bidding round process to ICA as was reported last week, although there is still no confirmation from FONATUR in this matter. What has instead been announced by FONATUR this week is the signing of a cooperation agreement with SEDATU. This agreement will guarantee the sharing of information and resources between these two public institutions with the common goal of successfully completing the Mayan Train project. 

At the same time, El Economista reports that FONATUR has now signed the contract with the bidding round winning consortium composed by Construcciones Urales, GAMI Ingeniería e Instalaciones and Azvi, now integrated into “AZVINDI Ferroviario,” for the construction of the Mayan Train’s third segment. This happened despite the fact that bidding round competitor Grupo Caabsa (also known as CAABSA Constructora) has expressed their rejection of FONATUR’s decision; it is said to be currently exploring legal options to appeal the decision. Additionally, Milenio reports that UN-Habitat has released a study in support of the Mayan Train which claims that percentages of economic growth in the region could double thanks to the project, which would result in a 15 percent reduction in the population expected to be in a situation of extreme poverty by 2030. In regards to the suspension ordered by a judge in Chiapas, La Jornada reported today that it has been revoked, giving green light to all Mayan Train work near the Palenque area.