Mexico-Toluca Interurban Train Receives More Federal Funds

The Federal Executive, represented by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT), has published a coordination agreement with the Government of Mexico City in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) that outlines the reallocation of federal budget resources totaling US$235.4 million exclusively for the implementation of the "Mexico-Toluca Interurban Train" program aimed at bolstering infrastructure development and enhancing interurban connectivity.

The Mexico-Toluca Interurban Train “El Insurgente” project dates back to 2015. It started during the administration of former President Enrique Peña Nieto and it was resumed under the administration of President López Obrador. Despite initial aspirations to inaugurate the project by the end of 2023, and subsequently in June 2024, the project's completion timeline has encountered setbacks. Currently, progress is confined to the four stations in the State of Mexico, owing to delays in the Mexico City segment, including challenges related to securing right-of-way and budgetary constraints.

Responsibilities are set out within the agreement, where SICT assumes the crucial role of reallocating the budget resources in accordance with the stipulations outlined, while the Mexico City government is entrusted with the meticulous administration and accountability of these resources. Central to the agreement are provisions mandating compliance with legal frameworks and regular reporting on program progress. Administrative expenses associated with program implementation represent up to 2% of the total resources provided by the SICT. 

Mexico City is also obligated to promptly initiate program actions, adhere to federal regulations governing public works, services, and acquisitions, and refrain from overcommitting resources beyond its financial means. Meanwhile, SICT is tasked with reallocating budget resources as per the agreed schedule, while monitoring program progress in tandem with the Mexico City government. Quarterly assessments are slated to gauge performance indicators and assess the judicious utilization of federal budget resources.

Transparency remains paramount, with provisions allowing for periodic reviews, modifications by mutual consent, and termination under specific circumstances. Dispute resolution mechanisms through federal courts are enshrined within the agreement. Effective upon signing, the agreement spans until Dec. 31, 2024, with any modifications mandated to be published accordingly.

The agreement encompassed the construction of the Mexico-Toluca Interurban Train dual-track railway segment originating from the tunnels on the Mexico-Toluca highway, with stations in Santa Fe and a terminal at the Integral Transfer Center of Observatorio, in the segment known as the "Tunel-Metro Observatorio," with a length of 16+935km, starting at kilometer 40+765 and ending at kilometer 57+700. The agreement further outlines objectives pertaining to the continuation of essential work for the viaduct's arrival at the Observatorio terminal, integral to the comprehensive passenger transport project, of segment 3 of the project.

López Obrador assured that he will inaugurate the entire El Insurgente system by the end of August 2024. The second phase of operation will see stations at Santa Fe, Vasco de Quiroga, and Observatorio. Presently operational between Zinacantepec and Lerma stations in the State of Mexico, the system caters to 10,000 daily passengers.

The El Insurgente railway system spans 57.7km and promises a travel time of 45 minutes, poised to significantly enhance mobility for residents of both Mexico City and the State of Mexico. López Obrador has previously underscored the substantial investment in the project, emphasizing its impact on regional infrastructure without incurring debt, utilizing public budgetary allocations estimated to approach US$5.97 billion.