Railway Expansion, Energy Initiatives: The Week in Infrastructure

This week, President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum  presented plans to overhaul Mexico’s infrastructure with the expansion of 3,000km of passenger railway tracks. Meanwhile, the Mexican Chamber of the Construction Industry (CMIC) plans to make significant strides in energy infrastructure by proposing ten initiatives to bolster Mexico’s nearshoring capabilities, which include expansive natural gas and renewable energy projects.

In other news, Energy and Infrastructure Investment Trust (FIBRAeMX) acquired a stake in Grupo Autopistas Nacionales (GANA), while FINSA announced a new sustainable industrial park in Nuevo Leon, FINSA Monterrey Apodaca II, promising advanced infrastructure with solar panels and water treatment facilities.

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Sheinbaum Announces 3,000km Passenger Railway Expansion Plan

President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum has presented an infrastructure plan focused on expanding Mexico's railway network. The plan includes building 3,000km of passenger train tracks over the next six years, with a significant portion of the work beginning in 2025. Key routes include the AIFA-Pachuca Train, Mexico-Queretaro-Guadalajara Train, and Mexico-San Luis Potosi-Monterrey-Nuevo Laredo Train. The routes were chosen for their potential to enhance connectivity and promote regional development.

Mexico's Energy Infrastructure: CMIC and Sheinbaum's Initiatives

CMIC proposed ten initiatives to enhance energy infrastructure for nearshoring, including developing natural gas and renewable energy projects. Luis Méndez, President, CMIC, said he is optimistic about improved public-private collaboration in infrastructure under the new administration, as it is crucial for national growth. Meanwhile, Sheinbaum’s infrastructure plans include the installation of 80GW of clean energy, the rehabilitation of hydroelectric plants, and the implementation of a 54% public and 46% private investment model in the electricity sector.

FIBRAeMX Acquires Significant Stake in GANA Project

FIBRAeMX has acquired significant stakes in GANA, buying 18.2% of Aleatica's shares and 10.8% from Invex. This US$287.3 million transaction, pending regulatory approvals, will make FIBRAeMX a major GANA shareholder with a 29% stake, while Aleatica retains a controlling 51%. 

FINSA Announces Fifth Sustainable Industrial Park in Nuevo Leon

FINSA has begun building its fifth industrial park in Nuevo Leon, named FINSA Monterrey Apodaca II, covering 79ha and built in two phases. This sustainable park will feature water treatment plants, solar panels, and a 20Mvas electrical substation. Strategically located, it offers excellent connectivity to the US and central Mexico. 

Thor Urbana Expands Portfolio with Major Acquisitions in Coahuila

Thor Urbana has acquired over 148,644m² of leasable space for manufacturing and logistics in Saltillo and Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila. This move strengthens Thor Urbana's position in Mexico and Latin America, aligning with the trend of nearshoring and increasing foreign direct investment (FDI) in the country. 

Siyata Mobile Invests in CT&FO to Expand in Latin America

Siyata Mobile, a global developer of Push-to-Talk (PTT) over Cellular handsets, has invested in Canadian Towers & Fiber Optics (CT&FO) to expand its presence in Latin America. This partnership will leverage CT&FO’s extensive telecommunications infrastructure in Central Mexico, including the largest dark fiber optic network in the region.