SICT Will Expropriate Land for Suburban Train Connection to AIFA
Home > Infrastructure > Article

SICT Will Expropriate Land for Suburban Train Connection to AIFA

Photo by:   Andrew Karn
Share it!
Fernando Mares By Fernando Mares | Journalist & Industry Analyst - Mon, 10/10/2022 - 15:55

As part of the works for the expansion of the Suburban Train from Lecheria to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) issued a decree for the expropriation of land to further develop the project. 

According to the decree, SICT is to expropriate over 5.2ha of land in the municipalities of Tultepec and Tultitlan in the State of Mexico to construct a cargo operation area. Notably, the expropriation opposes the standpoint of some of the inhabitants, who have constantly protested against the project. However, the decree was published in the Federal Official Gazette (DOF) and is to be signed by President López Obrador, as the government argues the move is in the interest of the public. For this reason, inhabitants of Tultepec and Tultitlan will not be able to present a complaint to stop the project, although they will be able to file a complaint to ask for compensation within 10 days following the decree’s publication.

Regarding similar issues, the Institute of Administration and Appraisals for National Assets (INDAABINN) had previously calculated the amount to pay. Following this structure, SICT could take the land and grant a pre-determined amount as part of the compensation. 


On Aug. 4, 2022, MBN reported that the federal government reached an agreement with inhabitants of the affected area after meeting with five local mayors of the State of Mexico and committed to making additional investments to develop complementary works, without telling which kind of works would be carried out. “This entails an additional investment; we have the land now and I hope [the inhabitants] support us. They should know that this is a non-profit project and is not furthering any company. This is a public project that benefits everyone, we all are owners of public works,” López Obrador said. 

According to the original plan, the project would be inaugurated in September 2023. Nonetheless, SICT is worried that it cannot finish it on time as It struggles to access resources. The so-called hacktivist group Gucamaya revealed emails between the Defense Ministry (SEDENA) and SICT revealing that the project has received only 8 percent of its required budget.
 

Photo by:   Andrew Karn

You May Like

Most popular

Newsletter