Mexico Advances AIFA–Pachuca, Mexico City–Queretaro Rail Projects

The Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport (SICT), the Government of the State of Mexico, and 14 municipalities signed a Framework Coordination Agreement to facilitate the release of the right of way for the AIFA–Pachuca and Mexico City–Queretaro passenger train projects.

The agreement, published in the Official Gazette of the Federation DOF), aims to streamline the release of land required for the construction of railway tracks, yards, and terminals. These facilities will enable the operation of the passenger trains between Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) and Pachuca, as well as between Mexico City and Queretaro, two strategic rail projects under the federal government’s agenda to expand passenger mobility.

Each Level of Government has made several commitments:

SICT committed to:

• Carrying out procedures and actions to free up the right of way in line with the final design of the executive project

• Receiving properties from the state and municipalities located within the defined route and necessary for the project

State of Mexico pledged to:

• Exempt or partially/fully condone payments of contributions and fees linked to right-of-way clearance

• Shorten deadlines in administrative procedures related to the projects

• Coordinate interagency meetings and formalize agreements to meet technical, legal, and financial requirements

• Assist in preparing files for the acquisition of communal, ejidal, or private land

Municipalities agreed to provide logistical support in relocating people and property from affected areas and streamline permits and licenses within their jurisdiction to enable construction. The involved municipalities are: Zumpango, Tecamac, Nextlalpan, Temascalapa, Tlalnepantla de Baz, Cuautitlan Izcalli, Cuautitlan, Tultitlan, Soyaniquilpan de Juarez, Teoloyucan, Polotitlan, Jilotepec, Coyotepec, and Huehuetoca.