Mayan Train Derailment; Interurban Funding Boost

This week, the Mayan Train derailed, raising corruption allegations, while investigations to determine the cause of the accident continue. Meanwhile, El Insurgente, the Mexico-Toluca Interurban Train, received additional federal funds, promising enhanced connectivity. 

In other news, turning to environmental concerns, Durango will build a new water plant, enhancing clean water access for thousands. At the same time, Mexico City’s innovative rainwater harvesting systems aim to alleviate water scarcity, championing sustainability. 

Ready? It's time for the Week in Infrastructure!

Mayan Train Derailment Fuels Corruption Allegations

The Mayan Train went through a derailment at the Tixkokob station in Yucatan on March 25. Despite no injuries or significant damage, the incident raised safety concerns and brought to light corruption allegations surrounding the project. The operator company is investigating the cause of the incident.

Mexico-Toluca Interurban Train Receives More Federal Funds

The Federal Executive, through the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation, has announced a coordination agreement with the Government of Mexico City, allocating US$235.4 million for the Mexico-Toluca Interurban Train project.

New Water Plant in Durango to Provide Clean Water to Thousands

The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) and the National Water Commission (CONAGUA) have partnered with the government of Durango to construct the Durango Drinking Water Plant. Its goal is to combat the issue of limited access to clean drinking water in Mexico. The project, outlined in the Official Gazette, aims to provide clean water to around 600,000 residents while replacing contaminated water sources.

Mexico City Installs Rain Collectors to Capture Water

To combat water scarcity in Mexico City, the government plans to invest US$18 million to install over 1,950 rainwater harvesting systems in schools. These systems aim to capture 198 million m³ of water annually, benefiting 930,000 people. Mayor Marti Batres highlights the initiative's focus on reusing captured water for schools' needs, relieving pressure on the city's water supply.

GSA Invests US$1 Billion to Modernize US Land Ports of Entry

The US General Services Administration (GSA) is set to invest over US$1 billion in upgrading federal Land Ports of Entry (LPOE) across the United States. This initiative aims to modernize infrastructure, promote domestic clean manufacturing, and incorporate sustainable technologies. The investment will support 38 projects, with US$850 million allocated for low-embodied carbon materials and US$60 million for emerging sustainable technologies.

Grupo Bafar Invests US$14.8 Million in Chihuahua Complex

Grupo Bafar, a leading Mexican food company, celebrated the beginning of construction of the Bafar North Industrial Complex in Chihuahua with an investment of US$14.8 million. The project will cover 54ha and include 180,000m2 of industrial warehouses, accommodating 21 companies in the sector and creating over 20,000 job opportunities. 

Sulzer Inaugurates High-Performance Pump Facility in Mexico

Sulzer, a global provider of fluid engineering solutions, is expanding its operations in Cuautitlan Izcalli, State of Mexico, to accommodate the testing and assembly of high-performance flow equipment. This expansion aims to strengthen Sulzer's integrated service capabilities and support infrastructure projects across the Americas.