Senate Approves Reform Prioritizing Rail System Development

The Senate’s joint commissions unanimously approved a reform to Article 28 of the Constitution, marking the railway system as a priority for national development. The reform includes both freight and passenger rail transport, underscoring the importance of revitalizing the country’s rail infrastructure.

The joint commissions on Constitutional Points, Legislative Studies, and Communications and Transport, led by Senators Óscar Cantón, Enrique Inzunza, and Alejandro Esquer, gave the green light with 37 votes in favor. The approval came without modifications to the bill initially sent by the Chamber of Deputies.

One of the key elements of the reform is the reestablishment of state control over railway services, particularly passenger transport, which had been privatized in the 1990s. The reform stipulates that the federal government may grant assignments to public companies or concessions to private entities to manage rail services.

The transitory articles of the bill establish that the Mexican Congress will have 180 days from the reform’s enactment to adjust the relevant secondary laws. Additionally, private companies holding concessions for freight rail services will be able to apply for concessions to operate passenger services as well. However, the reform clearly prioritizes passenger services over freight, as determined by future legislation.

Previously, President Claudia Sheinbaum, highlighted that this reform would facilitate the recovery of passenger trains and strengthen the rights of the Mexicans by considering this type of transport an essential public service. She also explained that this reform is an important step toward modernizing the railway system, enabling the state to use existing lines to provide passenger services, as previously reported by MBN.