“Maya Train Update: Cancun to Chetumal Section Ready by August!”

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has declared that the Cancun to Chetumal section of the Maya Train will be operational by the end of August. He discussed the ongoing construction on sections 5, 6, and 7 of the Maya Train during a recent press conference. The focus is primarily on the route from Playa del Carmen, Solidaridad, to Tulum.

The president revealed plans for a viaduct, or an elevated roadway, spanning 80 kilometers of the 130-kilometer route. This design aims to protect rivers and cenotes from potential environmental damage. He noted that many hotels along the Riviera Maya, such as Xcaret, were built without considering their environmental impact, even going as far as altering the course of a river.

Work is currently underway on the Tulum airport station, with plans to continue construction towards Chetumal. The president anticipates that the Cancun to Chetumal section will be inaugurated by the end of August, with the full loop completed before September 15. This project is part of a broader social development program, which includes conservation efforts and improvements to archaeological sites and hotels.

Upon completion, the Maya Train will connect Palenque to Cancun and Cancun to Escárcega. The president also outlined plans for a double electrified track from Cancun to Chetumal, featuring an automated system throughout the loop. The integration of optical fiber technology will allow for speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour.