Rail, Roads, Connectivity: The Week in Infrastructure

In this week’s roundup, Ferrocarriles Suburbanos steps back from the Lecheria-AIFA concession, while the Governor of Queretaro reviews advances at the Mexico City–Queretaro railway. 

In other news, Mexico strengthens tourism and investment ties with the World Tourism Forum Institute (WTFI), and the MANTA subsea cable advances to boost digital infrastructure across the Americas.

Your weekly dose of Infrastructure is here!

Ferrocarriles Suburbanos Abandons Lecheria-AIFA Train Concession

The Ministry of Infrastructure Communications and Transport (SICT) modified Ferrocarriles Suburbanos’ concession after the company renounced operating the Lecheria-AIFA route. The government recovered five trains and aims to accelerate the project with SEDENA’s support. Ferrocarriles Suburbanos will continue suburban rail services on other key routes in Mexico.

Governor of Queretaro Reviews Advances on Mexico City–Queretaro Railway 

Governor of Queretaro Mauricio Kuri met with General Gustavo Vallejo and representatives of the Mexican Army (SEDENA) to review the advances at the railway that will connect Mexico City and Queretaro. They emphasize that the project will enhance mobility and drive economic development in the region.

Mexico, WTFI Strengthen Tourism and Investment Collaboration

The WTFI in Dubai hosted Mexican Ambassador Luis Alfonso de Alba for a strategic meeting to enhance tourism and investment collaboration between Mexico and WTFI’s global network. Discussions focused on attracting international investment, expanding tourism infrastructure, promoting cultural exchange, and fostering sustainable tourism development. Both parties emphasized long-term cooperation to position Mexico as a key global travel destination and investment hub.

SubCom to Design, Deploy MANTA Subsea Cable System

The MANTA subsea cable system, led by Liberty Networks, Gold Data, and Sparkle, has reached a key milestone with the selection of SubCom for the design, manufacturing, and installation of the system. Spanning 5,400km, MANTA will enhance digital connectivity across the Americas, linking major data hubs in Mexico, Colombia, and Panama with the United States. The high-capacity infrastructure will support up to 22Tb/s per fiber pair, strengthening data transmission and accelerating digital innovation in the region.

SICT’s Bachetón Program Nears Completion with 95% Progress on Federal Road Maintenance

The SICT reports that the Bachetón Program has reached 95% completion, maintaining 41,900km of federal roads and repairing 276,000 potholes across Mexico. Several states have completed routine maintenance, while others are nearing completion. Additionally, the Periodic Conservation Program stands at 54.8% completion, covering 378km. Over 2,300 workers and 2,300 specialized machines are involved in these nationwide infrastructure efforts.

Mexico City Launches Megabachetón 2025 to Repair 200,000 Potholes in 120 Days

Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada announced Megabachetón 2025, a strategy to repair 200,000 potholes and rehabilitate 800,000m² of asphalt in 120 days. With 500 crews and 5,000 workers, the program will cover 277 primary roads in Mexico City. About 5,000t of asphalt will be used daily, along with specialized machinery to speed up repairs, which will take place Monday to Saturday with partial nighttime road closures.