Mexico's ambitious passenger rail building program is set to expand under the upcoming administration of President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum. The plan includes the construction of three new passenger train lines, totaling approximately 1,850 miles (3,000 kilometers) of track, doubling the amount built by outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
The proposed trains will be electric and capable of speeds up to 100 mph (160 kph), a significant upgrade from Mexico's current diesel-powered freight trains. The estimated cost of the projects is substantial, with one line from Mexico City to Nuevo Laredo projected to cost around $22 billion.
In addition to the Mexico City-Nuevo Laredo line, plans are in place for a route connecting Mexico City to Guadalajara at an estimated cost of $3 billion, with potential extensions to border cities like Nogales. The construction will involve army engineers overseeing private contractors, potentially leading to disruptions in existing freight services as tracks are relocated.
The project aims to revitalize Mexico's rail infrastructure and create employment opportunities. However, concerns have been raised about the demand for passenger services in a country where car travel, buses, and airlines are the primary modes of transportation over long distances.
The rail lines have been criticized for being developed without a clear assessment of passenger demand, with skepticism about the feasibility of providing service to remote border cities. The lack of passenger rail infrastructure in U.S. border cities further complicates potential cross-border connections.
López Obrador and Sheinbaum, both members of the Morena party, share a commitment to expanding rail projects as part of broader economic development strategies. While the initiative is seen as a job creation opportunity, questions remain about the financial sustainability and utilization of the proposed rail network.
Despite challenges and uncertainties, the Mexican government's ambitious rail expansion plans signal a significant investment in transportation infrastructure with potential long-term economic benefits.
