Most Equipment for Mayan Train Wagons Will Be Locally-Produced

The Mayan Train project will be completed before the end of the year, according to the National Fund for Tourism Development (FONATUR). During an update on its status, the association highlighted the use of domestically-produced content in the construction of the wagons. 

"With great pride, we reiterate that the Mayan Train's cars are made by Mexican hands. We are on schedule and will fulfill our commitments, with the first train arriving at the workshop and depot in Cancun on July 8 and the project's inauguration in December 2023," says Javier May Rodríguez, General Director, FONATUR.

May announced that the construction of the Mayan Train is progressing in accordance with the established timeline and that 70% of the equipment used in its wagons will be made in Mexico. May described the current status of the second section of the project, including the 116km of finished track and progress on complementary works such as the Campeche Railway Bypass, according to a FONATUR press release. 

May recently visited the manufacturing plant in Ciudad Sahagun, Hidalgo, and reports that it is progressing smoothly on the serial production and installation of over 10,000 different parts in each train, of which more than 70% are domestically sourced.

Section 2 of the Mayan Train spans 234km from Escarcega to Calkini, Campeche, and will include stations at Edzna and San Francisco, as well as three stops at Tenabo, Hecelchakan and Carrillo Puerto, says May. Visitor Assistance Centers (CATVI) at the archaeological sites of Xcalumkin and Edzna will also be constructed and improved alongside a hotel in the Edzna site. May stated that 116km of track of this section have been completed, with progress reaching 90% for transverse drainage works and underpasses, 59% for viaducts and 65% for pedestrian, vehicular and wildlife crossings. The train has generated 12,000 jobs in this section alone already. 

"In Section 2, Train Maya passengers will soon have the opportunity to discover and enjoy sites of great beauty and cultural wealth. Places like the Champoton Lagoon, the Malecon of Campeche and the San Jose Bastion. The local artisans are eagerly awaiting those who arrive aboard the Train Maya," says May.

Governments of southeastern Mexican states have promised to deliver the Mayan Train project with complementary works to boost the economy. Governor of Yucatan, Mauricio Vila, reported that the Merida International Airport's expansion resulted in significant capacity increases from a 2-million-user capacity to 4.7 million. Villa explained that the airport will also feature a new Viva Aerobus Hub, which is expected to receive 400 flights and 1,600 passengers per month to boost connectivity, as reported by MBN.