SICT Strengthens ARTF for Railway Development in Mexico

The Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport (SICT) is strengthening the Regulatory Agency for Railway Transport (ARTF) to consolidate and implement policies and programs that drive the development of passenger and multimodal railway transport in Mexico. 

The agreement granting these new powers to the ARTF, published in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF), is part of the current administration’s strategy to improve national railway infrastructure and promote an efficient, safe, sustainable, and economical intermodal network, says SICT.

As part of this initiative, the ARTF will coordinate with the SICT and the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP) to transfer resources allocated in the Federation Expenditure Budget for Fiscal Year 2025. This transfer must be completed within a maximum of 20 business days following the decree’s entry into force.

Additionally, the human, financial, and material resources of the General Directorate of Railway and Multimodal Development will become part of the ARTF, strengthening its operational and technical capacity.

Among the main powers granted to the ARTF are:

• Proposing and executing development, supervision, and logistics policies for the mass passenger and multimodal railway transport system.

• Planning strategic railway development and managing concessions and allocations for the construction, operation, and exploitation of railway lines.

• Conducting public bidding processes for concessions related to railway construction and operation.

• Managing the contracting of railway infrastructure works and related services, including the construction of yards and terminals.

• Coordinating with federal, state, and municipal authorities, as well as concessionaires, to modernize and expand railway infrastructure.

With this reform, the government aims to optimize railway mobility in the country, promoting a more efficient and sustainable transport model. Strengthening the ARTF as an agency with broader powers will enable the advancement of strategic projects that foster intermodality and the integration of a modern and competitive railway system.