When Will We See the Cancún-Tulum Maya Train?

TULUM, México — The much-anticipated Maya Train, a project designed to traverse from Cancún to Tulum, has had its inauguration postponed until late August due to significant modifications needed to protect the region’s fragile underground ecosystems. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador announced the construction of a cable-stayed bridge to safeguard the subterranean rivers discovered during the railway’s construction.

The delay follows the unintended impact on a cave where construction had initially placed a support column, sparking what the President described as “a huge uproar” from environmental groups. Efforts are underway to clean and restore the area, explicitly emphasizing minimizing any further ecological disruption.

During a morning press briefing at the National Palace, President López Obrador explained that the metallic structure of the bridge is ready, but assembling it over an 80-kilometer stretch will be time-intensive. This viaduct, designed to carry the train overhead, ensures minimal interference with the underlying cenotes and rivers. The bridge will feature a 200-meter clear span without any pillars, a design choice causing the project’s delay but essential for environmental preservation.

The President also highlighted ongoing developments, including the operational new Tulum airport and progress on the train section from Chetumal, Quintana Roo, to Escárcega in Campeche. He anticipates that all stations along the 1,554-kilometer route will be functional by September.

This weekend, López Obrador plans to tour the Maya Train and a new bridge being constructed in Cancún to alleviate the city’s traffic congestion. Remarkably, this bridge will be free to use, a decision made to “give back to Cancún a bit of what it had contributed to Mexico,” especially during the challenging neoliberal period when Cancún was one of the few places in Mexico with job opportunities.

The project, costing over 10 billion pesos, was initially planned as a toll structure. However, it will now be funded through government resources to benefit the public.

This ambitious infrastructure project is nearing completion. It promises to enhance connectivity between ancient Mayan cities and boost the regional economy by improving access and reducing travel times. It also stands as a testament to Mexico’s commitment to balancing development with environmental stewardship.