López Obrador Shares Official Opening Date for Tren Maya
López Obrador Shares Official Opening Date for Tren Maya

March 28, 2024
Today´s Paper

March 28, 2024

López Obrador Shares Official Opening Date for Tren Maya

TULUM, Quintana Roo – In a monumental event commemorating the fifth anniversary of his electoral victory, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador took center stage at Mexico City’s Zócalo to deliver a comprehensive report on the country’s journey under his leadership. With eloquence and conviction, President AMLO addressed key issues that have shaped Mexico’s trajectory during his six-year term, shedding light on transformative projects that will leave an indelible mark on the nation’s history. Let us delve into these endeavors that symbolize Mexico’s pursuit of progress.

From the inception of his administration, President López Obrador championed infrastructure development as a catalyst for national growth. Today, he proudly highlights a series of completed and ongoing projects that are redefining Mexico’s landscape. Among them are the construction of 53 rural roads spanning an impressive 1,752 kilometers and 416 artisanal roads covering a total length of 4,175 kilometers. Additionally, toll-free highways, stretching across 1,038 kilometers, have been established to facilitate seamless travel within the country.

López Obrador Shares Official Opening Date for Tren Maya

The centerpiece of President López Obrador’s infrastructure agenda is the Felipe Carrillo Puerto, a visionary project that promises to revolutionize air travel in Mexico. The rehabilitation of Chetumal and Tuxtla Gutiérrez airports, along with the perpetual maintenance of the Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City, further exemplify the president’s commitment to modernizing transportation hubs across the nation. Notably, plans are also underway for the construction of the Tulum International Airport, catering to the burgeoning demand for tourism in the region.

However, it is the ambitious Tren Maya (Mayan Train) initiative that epitomizes President López Obrador’s transformative vision. This expansive railway network, spanning over 1,500 kilometers, will connect five southeastern states—Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo—facilitating swift and secure transportation for both locals and tourists. President López Obrador proudly proclaimed that the Tren Maya will feature 20 stations and 15 stops upon its anticipated inauguration in December. Through this visionary project, the fabled region of the southeastern coast, characterized by its stunning beaches and lush tropical jungles, will become easily accessible to travelers from around the globe.

López Obrador Shares Official Opening Date for Tren Maya

Nonetheless, the Tren Maya has not been without controversy. Since its inception, activists have secured injunctions and demanded the suspension of construction in various sections, citing concerns over deforestation, pollution of underground rivers, and damage to natural and archaeological heritage. President López Obrador, undeterred by these challenges, has overseen multiple expropriations to ensure the realization of this mega-project. Assuring the public, he stated unequivocally that the Tren Maya will commence operations in December 2023.

When it comes to the financial aspect, the Institute of Mexican Competitiveness (IMCO) reports that the project has progressed to 58.4% completion as of today. The estimated total cost stands at a staggering 373.7 billion pesos, with a forecasted completion date of 2023. It is worth noting that in 2022, President López Obrador’s administration requested a budget of 143.07 billion pesos for the project in the 2023 Fiscal Package, making the IMCO’s projection more than double the initial allocation.

In 2022, the approved budget for the Tren Maya project, aimed at boosting tourism in the southeastern region, amounted to 64.956 billion pesos. However, expenditures ultimately reached 186.282 billion pesos, significantly surpassing the original budgetary plan. As Mexico eagerly anticipates the realization of these transformative initiatives, the government must remain vigilant in managing costs and ensuring transparency in the execution of these monumental projects.

López Obrador Shares Official Opening Date for Tren Maya

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s fifth-anniversary report showcased a nation on the cusp of transformation. With a steadfast commitment to infrastructure development, his administration has laid the foundation for Mexico’s future progress. The completion of rural and artisanal roads, toll-free highways, airport rehabilitations, and the impending inauguration of the Tren Maya represent not only his legacy but also Mexico’s determination to forge a path towards a brighter tomorrow. Through these ambitious endeavors, President López Obrador has demonstrated his unwavering dedication to propelling Mexico into an era of sustained growth, prosperity, and connectivity.

López Obrador Shares Official Opening Date for Tren MayaEN