Private Sector to Restart Touristic Train in Puebla

Puebla entrepreneurs want to restart the Touristic Train Puebla-Cholula, which was suspended earlier this year by the state government because of high operative costs. The private sector looks for new routes that could make the project economically viable. 

The train was inaugurated in 2017 with an investment of over US$65 million. Construction started in 2015 during Rafael Moreno’s administration and its administration was the responsibility of the state Ministry of Mobility, Tolls and Transportation. It had a capacity of more than 200 passengers and ran across 17km. In November 2021, Puebla Governor Miguel Barbosa terminated the project following a financial viability analysis that showed every passenger represented a US$75 cost. Juan Moreno, Director, Toll Roads of Puebla, added that the train requires US$200,000 every month for operation and maintenance.

“We can say that the project was not economically viable and did not generate a significant impact on tourism, nor as a form of transportation for citizens,” Moreno added.  

Ignacio Alarcón, President, CCE Puebla, said that local entrepreneurs from the tourism sector are interested in restarting the project, nonetheless. To make this a reality, the route has to be modified and extended, since the original track does not go near significant touristic attractions.   A new operator must also be contracted, making sure it meets the requirements established by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT). 

Alarcón added that the modifications of the route must consider touristic attractions in the state, as well as the transportation needs of surrounding communities. He highlighted the need for a hybrid project that works for both passengers and tourists. 

CCE is working on different options to present to the state government, also considering job creation and revenue for investors. The train uses railways that are granted in concession by the federal government, which is one of the biggest challenges the project is facing, according to Alarcón.