Maya Train Construction Hit by Rainfall Delays – What Happened in Chetumal?

The construction of the Maya Train in Chetumal's Section 7 continues to face obstacles. Recently, iron columns intended for a city entrance bridge collapsed, and landslides occurred in rural areas. The pre-cast retaining walls that border the bridge near a well-known university and the C4 area are now experiencing water leaks. This issue causes water to trickle onto the road, slowing traffic. These incidents are among several construction failures for the future Maya Train tracks. Similar incidents have also occurred in other areas, such as Xpujil, where last year, a portion of the excavation walls collapsed during soil stability tests, burying three workers who luckily escaped serious injuries.

Residents who commute from Chetumal are frustrated with the situation. Queues can be up to two hours long to travel from the C4 section to the Huay-Pix community. The bridge wall leakage issue has only exacerbated these wait times, with lines of vehicles extending at all hours of the day. The rainfall has caused water to drip onto the road, further complicating the situation.

Chetumal has borne the brunt of the Maya Train construction issues, and rural communities have also expressed concerns. A recent landslide of bridge pillars during bad weather in the Yucatan Peninsula, caused by overflowing river water, is one such example. Despite the criticism, the project is still progressing, with all sections, stops, and stations expected to be completed by September. Amid the complaints, it's worth noting that the construction is being carried out in record time and is generating benefits for the southeast region's residents.

The Maya Train project, a key initiative for the current six-year term, will cover different points in the states of Chiapas, Campeche, Tabasco, Quintana Roo, and Yucatán. This project, along with strategies like the establishment of federal agencies in the state, will create many jobs during its construction and operation. It will also bring substantial benefits to the southeast population it will serve. Additional works are also being carried out for the benefit of the communities.

Despite the project's initial estimated cost of between 120 billion and 150 billion pesos, the price tag has risen to 500 billion pesos. This increase accounts for the difficulties encountered during the project and the increase in material prices, with expenses planned through 2024. Despite the criticisms, the inauguration is still expected to take place by September.