SICT Announces Key Bids for Strategic Railway Project Studies

The Minister of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT) has launched bids for essential studies to advance three major railway projects: Queretaro-Irapuato, Saltillo-Nuevo Laredo, and Mexico-Queretaro. These studies aim to assess demand, social and urban impact, and legal and economic conditions to guide decision-making for the projects’ development. 

The bidding process began on Dec. 11, 2024, with the selection of the winning bidder expected on Jan. 13, 2025. If successful, the contract will be formalized on Jan. 15, 2025, and work will commence on Jan. 16, 2025. The execution period is set at 105 calendar days, spanning from January to April 2025. These studies will include a comprehensive analysis of supply and demand, future projections, and the minimum required infrastructure to ensure the projects’ feasibility. These findings will support informed public policy decisions and optimize project implementation.

The Queretaro-Irapuato railway project will focus on assessing travel demand and impacts across Queretaro, Celaya, Salamanca, Irapuato, Silao, and Leon. The study will evaluate current and projected passenger travel volumes and define basic station facilities such as open platforms, access controls, covered waiting areas, and shelters for extreme weather. It will also analyze potential changes in mobility patterns and urban development. Proposals for this project include submissions from Adhoc Consultores Asociados (MX$7,799,997.69), Cal y Mayor Asociados (MX$5,992,960.79), Felipe Ochoa y Asociados (MX$12,044,999.99), Steer Davies & Gleave Mexico (MX$10,200,693.35), and Transconsult (MX$16,652,236.09).

For the Saltillo-Nuevo Laredo railway, the study needs to assess connectivity between Saltillo, Monterrey, and Nuevo Laredo, including key municipalities like Ramos Arizpe, San Pedro Garza García, and Escobedo. Specific objectives include evaluating current and future travel demand for passenger and freight services, determining the railway’s impact on regional mobility and urban growth, and proposing minimal infrastructure for basic station facilities. Proposals for this project include those by Adhoc Consultores Asociados (MX$7,949,998.46), Cal y Mayor Asociados (MX$8,175,795.72), Consorcio Iuyet (MX$69,614,373.73), Felipe Ochoa y Asociados (MX$11,799,958.03), and Transconsult (MX$18,074,609.05).

The Mexico-Queretaro railway project is designed to establish a viable and efficient rail link between Mexico City and Queretaro, considering municipalities like Cuautitlan Izcalli, Huehuetoca, and San Juan del Rio. The study focuses on analyzing current and future passenger demand, conducting detailed cost-benefit evaluations, and ensuring seamless urban integration with existing transport networks across multiple states. Proposals for this project include Adhoc Consultores Asociados (MX$7,899,998.19), Cal y Mayor Asociados (MX$6,677,435.95), Felipe Ochoa y Asociados (MX$6,540,000.00), Modelistica (MX$6,580,000.00), Steer Davies & Gleave Mexico (MX$11,799,995.43), Transconsult (MX$16,029,363.26), Coordinación Tecnico Administrativa de Obras with partners (MX$32,999,789.40), and IDOM (MX$14,379,732.16).

These studies aim to provide a data-driven foundation for developing a modern, efficient, and sustainable railway system. By addressing regional travel needs and integrating key infrastructure, the projects seek to enhance mobility, reduce congestion, and promote economic and social development.