Sheinbaum Pushes Tapachula as Mexico-Central America Hub

The administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum plans to transform Tapachula, Chiapas, into a central hub for Mexico and Central America. The strategy hinges on large-scale infrastructure and social investment projects, including new industrial clusters, port modernization, and expanded rail connectivity.

At the heart of the initiative is the construction of two Economic Development Hub for Wellbeing (PODECOBI), under bidding by the Mexican Navy (SEMAR), the modernization of Puerto Chiapas, and the completion by 2026 of the Interoceanic Train’s Line K, running from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, to Ciudad Hidalgo, Chiapas.

“The vision is to make Tapachula the center, not only of Central America but also of Mexico. With the PODECOBI, the Interoceanic Train, and the Port of Chiapas, this region will become a major development hub in the coming years,” states Sheinbaum.

Infrastructure and Connectivity Commitments

Sheinbaum also pledges to repair bridges damaged on Sept. 19. Additionally, her government is advancing several major infrastructure works, including the construction of the Mayan Train freight line, the conservation of the federal highway network, the development of the Macuspana–Escarcega highway, and the expansion of the Palenque–Ocosingo highway and artisan road projects.

Flood protection works are also underway across Chiapas, enhancing resilience for vulnerable communities.

Through the Housing for Well-Being program, the federal government will deliver 82,023 new homes. At the same time, 60,000 families will benefit from debt relief and credit freezes via INFONAVIT and FOVISSSTE.

In addition, Sheinbaum has announced the construction of Centers LIBRE for women in every municipality, providing safe spaces and support services.

Education and Health Expansions

The state also welcomed the inauguration of a new Universidad Rosario Castellanos campus, with another under development. On the healthcare front, the government has opened the Hospital General de Zona No. 13 “14 de Septiembre” and is rehabilitating and expanding several medical facilities, including the Rural Albergue Hospital in Bochil, the ISSSTE Hospital “Dr. Roberto Nettel” in Tapachula, family medicine units in Chiapa de Corzo and Tapilula, and a new Hemodialysis Unit in the General Hospital of Tonala.

Sheinbaum states that the consolidation of infrastructure, housing, and social programs in Chiapas is part of a broader national vision to reduce inequality and stimulate economic growth in southern Mexico.