Seamless Connectivity: The Lecheria-Jaltocan-AIFA Expansion

Mexican transportation infrastructure development continues to make significant strides with the ongoing expansion of Line 1 of the Lecheria-Jaltocan-AIFA Suburban Train. This project is expected to be completed by 2024. It aims to enhance connectivity and address mobility challenges within the North Valley Zone of Mexico (ZNVM) with the addition of 23km of double-electrified tracks, six new stations and state-of-the-art signaling and telecommunications systems.

The project began in 2021 with the goal of increasing connectivity between Mexico City and the State of Mexico, reducing overall travel costs, accidents and pollution. Additionally, it is expected to stimulate urban development and enhance social welfare for local inhabitants. The extension will link the Buenavista and Cuautitlan stations, streamlining travel and creating a more efficient and eco-friendly transportation system. It will be the first airport in Latin America to have a rail connection in its terminal.

Jorge Nuño, Minister of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation, announced that the Buenavista-AIFA route is set to cover 42km and will reduce the travel time between the center zone of Mexico City and AIFA to just 39 minutes. The new trains, a total of ten, will adhere to an established itinerary and provide designated luggage compartments for the convenience of commuters. Each convoy will have the capacity to carry 719 passengers, significantly increasing the system’s overall capacity by 85,000 daily passengers. About 110,000 passengers already use the system daily.

The Buenavista station will connect with Line B of the Mexico City Subway. With lines 1 and 3 of the Metrobus, the Fortuna station will connect with Metro Line 6, while Lecheria station will connect with Line 2 of the Mexibus. 

This project represents an investment of MX$25.8 billion (US$1.5 billion), with MX$15 billion (US$894 million) coming from private concessionaires and the rest being funded by the federal government. 

The geographic location of the expansion project spans across the State of Mexico, with sections located in the municipalities of Tultitlan, Tultepec, Nextlalan and Zumpango. Careful consideration has been given to ensure compatibility with existing cargo operations, which requires the relocation of the maneuvering yard and displacing 31.4km of freight track.

The project stands at 43% completion, with civil works standing at 28%, rolling stock at 10% and rail subsystems at 5%. The civil works are projected to be completed by February 2024, followed by electromechanical works in March 2024. The final testing phase is scheduled to take place from April to June 2024.