President Sheinbaum Green-Lights Freight Phase of Mayan Train

President Claudia Sheinbaum has green-lighted the construction of the Mayan Train’s freight infrastructure, a project that will expand the railway’s capabilities to transport both passengers and goods. The train aims to consolidate itself as a world-class logistics platform, further strengthening economic development across the country’s southeastern region.

“Today we are giving the green light for the Mayan Train to not only be a passenger train but also a freight train. Freight transport will give enormous potential to the southeast,” states Sheinbaum. She explains that this new phase will allow goods to be transported more efficiently, boosting local production and improving connectivity with other parts of Mexico.

The construction of the freight infrastructure will be carried out by the Felipe Ángeles Engineer Corps of the Ministry of National Defense (SEDENA). This work will be linked to the expansion of Puerto Progreso, managed by the Mexican Navy (SEMAR), and will feature a connection point in Palenque with the Interoceanic Train (CIIT), further strengthening national logistics networks.

Sheinbaum highlights that the Mayan Train has transported over 1.2 million passengers to date, and noted that six hotels linked to the project are now operational. Additionally, she says that pending archaeological works along the route will be completed by May 31.

Sheinbaum also announces new educational and social initiatives, including the construction of universities, support for local fishermen through the Cosechando Soberania program, and initiatives to help honey producers sell their products directly at fair prices through the Tiendas Bienestar network.

The construction of Mayan Train’s freight infrastructure will be developed in two phases over the next two and a half years and will generate over 26,200 direct jobs. The freight system will include 10 facilities: five intermodal terminals located in Poxila, Progreso, Cancun, Palenque, and Chetumal; four operational yards; and a fuel spur line. All will be interconnected across the already constructed 1,553km of railway. The first phase of construction includes building terminals in Poxila, Progreso, Cancun, and Palenque, along with the rehabilitation and construction of 70km of railway between Merida and Progreso — 40km of new track and 30km of upgraded existing track.

Governor of Yucatan Joaquín Díaz says that the Mayan Train freight line will drive shared prosperity, aligning with other key projects such as the modernization of the Puerto de Altura in Progreso, the construction of the UNRC in Kanasin, the renovation of the Kukulkan Stadium, and the restoration of the Ateneo Peninsular museum. These initiatives are part of the Maya Renaissance program, a joint effort between the federal and state governments. “These projects represent the hope of thousands of Yucatecan families who placed their faith and trust in the Fourth Transformation,” says Díaz.