ATTRAPI Taps US$7.8 Billion for Saltillo–Nuevo Laredo Rail

Mexico’s Agency for Trains and Integrated Public Transport (ATTRAPI) has awarded a MX$7.8 billion (US$439 million) contract to a consortium comprising Gami Ingeniería e Instalaciones, AZVI, Construcciones Urales, Recal Estructuras, and Constructora Moyeda for the design and construction of an 8.8 km segment of the Saltillo–Nuevo Laredo passenger rail line in the Monterrey metropolitan area.

The contract covers Segment 15-A1, a double-track section located between the Santa Catarina and González Garza stations. The project is part of a broader initiative to expand passenger rail infrastructure in northern Mexico and improve connectivity between key industrial hubs.

ATTRAPI said the consortium was selected “in accordance with the results of the evaluation method based on points and percentages,” following an international public tender that attracted seven competing groups, including ICA, Mota-Engil México, and Sinohydro México.

The procurement process experienced multiple delays. ATTRAPI postponed the submission of technical and financial proposals to February due to an administrative transition, as the agency changed its name from the Regulatory Agency for Rail Transport (ARTF). The award decision was also delayed three times to allow for a more detailed review of the proposals received.

The 8.8 km segment will traverse urban, rural, and industrial areas within the Monterrey metropolitan region. Approximately 75% of the alignment will be constructed on an elevated viaduct of roughly 6.5 km, with the remainder at ground level. The project also includes an elevated station at Santa Catarina.

ATTRAPI noted that the segment is designed for a maximum speed of 200 km/h. The elevated structure, combined with its route through high-traffic areas, is expected to present technical and logistical challenges during construction.

Following the award, the consortium committed to signing the contract on March 27 at 17:00 local time. Contractors are required to provide a performance bond equivalent to 20% of the project value and an advance payment guarantee set at 20% of the allocated resources for the current fiscal year. A valid tax compliance certificate from Mexico’s tax authority (SAT), confirming  fulfillment of fiscal obligations is also required.

Construction is scheduled to begin on April 6, with an execution period of 998 calendar days. The project will follow a fast-track scheme, allowing phased construction to begin as sections of the executive design are completed, rather than waiting for the full design to be finalized.