Tren Maya’s Path Through Tulum Approved
TULUM, Mexico – In a significant move to bolster the economic impact of tourism in the Yucatan Peninsula, the Tulum Municipal Council, during its 57th Ordinary Session, approved the land use compatibility for the right of way of the ‘Maya Train’ project. This approval specifically encompasses sections 5 South and 6 within Tulum’s jurisdiction, marking a crucial step in the region’s development strategy.
Mayor Diego Castañón Trejo presided over the session where the majority voted to instruct the General Directorate of Sustainable Urban Development of the Municipality to integrate the location and polygons of the Maya Train’s railway infrastructure into the aforementioned sections. This integration is pivotal if there’s a creation or update of territorial ordering instruments and urban development planning.
The decision came after a thorough evaluation by the General Directorate of Sustainable Urban Territorial Development of the Council. This evaluation considered the requests of FONATUR Tren Maya S.A. de C.V., as detailed in documents FTM/ENLJ/005/2023 and FTM/RQT/002/2024, dated October 24, 2023, and January 4, 2024, respectively. These requests aimed at incorporating the location and polygons over an area of 1,405,976.40 m².
The project’s approval was based on its public interest, social benefits, and national security implications. The Maya Train, a federal executive-backed initiative, is not just a transportation project but a multi-faceted endeavor aiming to increase the region’s tourism income, create job opportunities, promote sustainable development, protect the environmental sanctity of the area, and facilitate regional territorial development.
The Maya Train project, an ambitious venture by the Mexican government, aims to connect the main tourist destinations across the Yucatan Peninsula. Spanning approximately 1,525 kilometers, it will traverse through five states: Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo, of which Tulum is a significant part. The project is expected to boost tourism and economic growth by providing easier access to key destinations, thereby enhancing the overall appeal of the region.
Environmentalists and local communities have raised concerns about the project’s impact on the environment and indigenous lands. The government, however, has assured that sustainable practices and respectful engagement with local communities are integral to the project’s ethos.
As Tulum prepares for this transformative change, it stands at the cusp of a new era in tourism and economic development. The decision by the Tulum Municipal Council is a testament to the region’s commitment to progress while balancing environmental concerns and the well-being of its communities.
This development has sparked a wave of anticipation and debate among residents and visitors alike, all keen to witness how the Maya Train will reshape the landscape of Tulum and the broader Yucatan Peninsula.
