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Sheinbaum Pushes Forward 2,377 km Public Rail Program

The plan pairs rights‑of‑way clearance with 2026 train manufacturing to expand passenger and freight service.

Overview

  • President Claudia Sheinbaum has committed to building at least 2,377 kilometers of publicly owned railway, a target reiterated in government briefings on May 20–21, 2026.
  • Rights‑of‑way are largely secured on priority corridors with reported progress of 98% for AIFAPachuca, 80% for Ciudad de MéxicoQuerétaro, 88% for QuerétaroIrapuato and 89% for SaltilloNuevo Laredo.
  • Officials say manufacturing of 47 diesel‑electric trains will begin in June 2026 after final project validation, while 15 electric trains for the AIFAPachuca route have a MXN 26,017.5 million contract and a first unit due in September 2026.
  • Construction progress varies by line: PachucaAIFA is 34.8% complete with about 16,270 direct jobs created, QuerétaroIrapuato shows about 15% progress with 15 active fronts, and SaltilloNuevo Laredo has 2% progress with 23 active fronts.
  • The program is led by military engineers from the Agrupamiento de Ingenieros Felipe Ángeles with coordination from ATTRAPI/ARTF and SICT, and includes large procurement for rails and rolling stock that officials say will support regional connectivity and local employment through 2027.