ARTF to Acquire Rolling Stock for Mexico-Pachuca Train Project

Mexico's Rail Transport Regulatory Agency (ARTF) initiated a process to purchase 15 trains for the new Mexico-Pachuca passenger rail line. Among the requirements, the government specifies that the sourced trains must have at least 50% of national content. 

ARTF’s draft of the open international public tender includes the acquisition of 15 trains, each with a capacity for 700 passengers, a five-year maintenance contract, and the design and supply of workshop equipment. According to the published timeline, a site visit for interested bidders is scheduled for July 9, 2025, with the contract expected to be awarded on Sept. 29, 2025.

The total investment planned for the train, which will connect Mexico City's Buenavista station with Pachuca, Hidalgo, is approximately MX$50 billion (US$2.7 billion), of which over 20% will be allocated for the train purchase, maintenance, and workshop construction.

The tender stipulates that the trains must have at least 50% national content, in line with President Claudia Sheinbaum’s mandate. This includes labor, materials, and other inputs as part of a strategy to support local economic development.

The winning company or consortium will receive an advance payment of 20% of the amount to be exercised in each fiscal year of the contract. The project's budget will be covered across multiple fiscal years, from 2025 through 2032, reports El Economista.

Mexico-Pachuca Passenger Line’s Impact

On March 24, 2025, the federal government started the construction of the Mexico-Pachuca train. The project is expected to benefit 1.2 million inhabitants and serve over 83,112 passengers every day. The project will operate at a maximum speed of 120km/h and reduce travel time by 20% to 30%, as reported by MBN.