Sheinbaum Kicks Off Construction of AIFA-Pachuca Passenger Train

The Mexican government has officially commenced construction of the AIFA-Pachuca passenger train, which aims to connect the state of Hidalgo with the Mexico City metropolitan area. The project is anticipated to serve over 100,000 commuters daily, says Minister of Infrastructure  Jesús Esteva. President Claudia Sheinbaum and Hidalgo Governor Julio Menchaca attended the event. Esteva explained that the railway will span 64km, including 14km of elevated tracks, with some sections at ground level, making use of existing rights-of-way.

The AIFA-Pachuca Train project entails an investment of MX$50 billion (US$2.5 billion) and is expected to create around 40,000 direct and indirect jobs, the government says. The railway will feature electrified double tracks along a total length of 106km from Mexico City to Pachuca, Hidalgo. Trains will operate at speeds of up to 120km/h, with a capacity exceeding 700 passengers.

Travel time between AIFA and Pachuca is projected to decrease by 50%, from 40 minutes to 20 minutes, while travel from Mexico City to Pachuca will be reduced by 25%. The train's route will pass through several municipalities, including Zumpango, Tecamac, Nextlalpan, and Temascalapa in the State of Mexico. In Hidalgo, the route will also include Tizayuca, Zapotlan, Zempoala, Villa de Tezontepec, Jaltocan, Pachuca de Soto, and Mineral de Reforma. This project is expected to benefit approximately 1.2 million residents. Esteva noted that the specific stations along the AIFA-Pachuca route are being determined.

The government said the first phase will be coordinated with SEDENA, and the construction will be managed by the Military Engineers Group. The project is slated for completion by late 2026, with operations expected to begin in 1Q27 after testing and certification. The event featured the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) and the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT), and a framework collaboration agreement between SICT and the Ministry of Defense (SEDENA). 

The AIFA-Pachuca train will also provide intermodal connections with AIFA, the suburban train to Cuautitlan, the Buenavista terminal of Mexico City Metro’s Line B, as well as Metrobus Lines 1, 3, and 4, along with the Ecobici and Tuzobus systems, the latter in Hidalgo.