TULUM, Quintana Roo – In order to utilize them for the ambitious Tren Maya project, the federal government has declared an additional 94 private properties totaling 774,456.110 square meters as public utilities. Among these properties, eight are located in the municipalities of Bacalar, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Othón P. Blanco, and Tulum, in the state of Quintana Roo.
This significant declaration, published today in the esteemed Diario Oficial de la Federación, encompasses properties situated in Tabasco, Chiapas, Campeche, and Yucatán. Notably, Yucatán stands out as the state with the highest number of expropriated properties.
As outlined in the official decree, these properties will be dedicated to the construction of public infrastructure associated with the Tren Maya project.
The detailed decree specifies that the proposed construction works will be situated in the municipalities of Palenque, Chiapas; Tenosique and Balancán, Tabasco; Escárcega, Tenabo, Hecelchakán, and Dzitbalché, Campeche; and Tixkokob, Maxcanú, Umán, Mérida, Chocholá, Tixpéhual, Kanasín, Cacalchén, and Izamal, Yucatán.
With regard to Quintana Roo, all eight properties are located within the passage routes of section 6 of this monumental railway project.
Among these properties, two are in Bacalar, one in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, another in Othón P. Blanco, and the remaining four in Tulum.
According to the decree, all 94 properties have been deemed “appropriate and suitable for the construction and comprehensive operation of the Tren Maya Project,” as per the Technical Report prepared by Fonatur Tren Maya, S.A. de C.V.
This governmental action signifies a major stride forward for the Tren Maya project, which aims to connect the culturally rich regions of southeastern Mexico, enhance tourism, and foster economic development. However, it has also raised concerns among local residents and environmentalists, who worry about the potential impact on the natural habitats and ecosystems in these areas.
The expropriation of private properties is expected to spark debates and legal disputes as affected landowners seek fair compensation and question the necessity and feasibility of the Tren Maya project.
As this project continues to unfold, it remains crucial for the government to maintain open lines of communication with affected communities, ensuring transparency and addressing environmental concerns to strike a balance between development and preservation.
