PPEF 2026 Prioritizes Rail, Ports, and Roads Investment

The federal government has reaffirmed that strategic investment will remain the backbone of regional development, with a strong emphasis on expanding and modernizing Mexico’s rail, port, and road infrastructure. According to the draft 2026 Federal Expenditure Budget (PPEF), MX$104.5 billion (US$5.59 billion) will be allocated to rail projects, underscoring the administration’s goal to position Mexico as a central hub in global supply chains.

The government plans to construct over 3,000km of new passenger train lines by the end of the administration. Key projects include:

• Mexico–Queretaro

• Buenavista–Pachuca

• Queretaro–San Luis Potosi

• Queretaro–Irapuato

• Irapuato–Guadalajara

• Saltillo–Nuevo Laredo

• San Luis Potosi–Saltillo

Alongside these long-haul routes, flagship projects such as the Mexico-Toluca Interurban Train, the Suburban Train Line 1 expansion from Lecheria to Jaltocan and Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), and the pre-investment studies for the AIFA-Pachuca system are set to advance.

The Metro Line 12 extension from Mixcoac to Observatorio is also underway, enhancing connectivity across Mexico City. These projects are designed to reduce transport costs, streamline logistics, and improve mobility for passengers and goods.

Mayan Train and Isthmus Corridor

Despite a 33% budget cut compared to the previous year, the Mayan Train cargo service will still receive MX$30 billion (US$1.61 billion) in 2026, reflecting its importance in connecting the south-southeast region to national and international markets. The Isthmus of Tehuantepec Interoceanic Corridor will also move forward with MX$25 billion, strengthening multimodal logistics across the region.

While the Mayan Train aims to boost regional economies, environmental concerns remain over its potential impact on southern Mexico’s ecosystems.

Ports, Roads, and Well-Being Hubs

Investment will not be limited to railways. New roads such as the Ciudad Valles–Tampico and Saltillo–Monclova highways, modernization of existing toll roads, strategic waterworks, and the national farmland modernization program will complement rail expansion.

In coordination with state governments, the federal plan will also consolidate a network of 15 Well-Being Hubs. These industrial, services, and tourism hubs are expected to foster economic diversification, create jobs, and strengthen environmental stewardship.

Plan México: Central Economic Platform

At the heart of this strategy lies Plan México, envisioned as the main platform to promote growth and competitiveness. The plan includes:

• Investments in logistics and trade facilitation

• Expansion of energy generation and distribution networks

• Regulatory simplification and streamlined permits

• Fiscal and financial incentives for investors

• Support for strategic industries and digital services

The services sector is expected to maintain dynamic growth, driven by the expansion of transport networks, the formalization of digital platform workers, and rising demand for professional services in the digital economy, such as advertising, accounting, and systems design.