“Shocking Revelations: Mayan Train Facing Major Issues – Is This Rail Project Doomed?”

Technical audits of the Mayan Train's operating sections have unveiled significant issues that could affect up to 50% of the project's cash flow and payback on investment. Maintenance and repair costs could be as high as the initial investment in this major rail initiative.

One of the main issues identified is with the pads – the high-impact elastic synthetic material placed between rails and sleepers to prevent breakage from train pressure. Audits have shown that these pads are not returning to their original shape after a train passes over them, meaning they are not providing the necessary cushioning.

The sleepers, which should be 60 centimeters apart for trains to run at speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour, have been found to be placed between 65 and 70 centimeters apart. This improper spacing causes rail undulation, forcing trains to reduce their average speed by half.

These problems were found in sections 2 and 3 of the train line, which run from Escárcega to Calkiní and from Calkiní to Izamal. The contracts for these sections were awarded to the CICSA consortium and the Spanish company FCC for Section 2, and to the INDI AMI duo and Azvi for Section 3.

The identified deficiencies mean trains must reduce speed, making them less competitive with buses and private cars. This negatively affects the return on investment. Additional issues include problems on some curves in jungle areas that must be taken at lower speeds due to the risk of the wheels damaging the rails. This also causes loud squeaking and vibrations that limit the train's speed.

Addressing these issues will require replacing pads and realigning rails, which could cost between 15% and 20% more than the original work. Curves will also need to be widened and adjusted to connect properly with straight sections.

These issues with the Mayan Train are reminiscent of problems with Line 12 of the Mexico City Metro, which was also built quickly and faced similar issues.

In other news, the IMSS-Bienestar is reportedly in debt by 13 billion pesos due to unpaid bills from the now-defunct National Institute of Health for Wellbeing. These debts have not been fully acknowledged by the government, causing concern in the medicine and hospital materials industry. The outstanding payments reportedly total more than 13 billion pesos, with 88% of this amount pertaining to the 2023-2024 period.

The lack of payment is reportedly due to a shortage of funds in the IMSS-Bienestar, leading to concerns about potential medicine shortages. To prevent this, the government must acknowledge and settle these debts to allow suppliers to restock for 2025. The responsibility for resolving this conflict currently lies with the Ministry of Public Function.