Mayan Train Complementary Works Ready by the End of 2023

As the deadline to deliver the Mayan Train project approaches, southeastern Mexican states are also promising to deliver complementary works, aimed at boosting the economy of an area that has been excluded from economic benefits brought by free trade agreements. 

The governor of Yucatan, Mauricio Vila reported that the Merida International Airport’s expansion resulted in significant capacity increases. According to Vila, the airport jumped from a 2-million-user capacity to 4.7 million. The governor added that the airport will feature a new Viva Aerobus Hub, which is expected to receive 400 flights and 1,600 passengers per month. 

Vila also reported the expansion of Puerto de Altura, which currently requires an investment of MX$3 billion (US$170 million). He explained that the project involves expanding the port's platform from 32ha to 72ha and widening the access canal. These improvements will result in increased capacity, allowing the port to accommodate ships carrying up to 9,000 passengers and cargo weighing up to 100,000t.  

The Yucatan government also plans to connect the port with a highway and railroad, both of 52km, while granting an area of 55ha to construct a multimodal station for the Mayan Train. The government is also planning another railroad that will connect the port with the Interoceanic Corridor project. 

The IE-TRAM project is also currently underway, which entails a fleet of electric buses connecting over 137 neighborhoods through 80 routes. It will also serve 30 educational centers and 20 tourist attractions within the city, Vila added. The operation will involve 32 units accommodating 25,000 passengers and is planned to be ready by 4Q23. The project will require an investment of MX$2.8 billion (US$158.8 million), of which 61% will come from the Yucatan government, 23% from the National Bank for Public Works (BANOBRAS) and 16% from the private sector. 

As for Quintana Roo, Governor Mara Lezama said that investment will be focused on meeting tourists' demands as the state receives over 30 million passengers and 4.9 million cruise ship passengers. Quintana Roo’s efforts are currently focused on the restoration of the Luis Donaldo Colosio Boulevard, the injunction to Cancun International Airport and the Nitchupte Bridge, which will be connected to the Kukulcan and Luis Donaldo Colosio Boulevard. According to Lezama, the projects are expected to conclude by the end of 2023.