Rush to Award Ferroviary Tender: Querétaro-Irapuato Passenger Train’s First Subcontract Auction

Web Editor

June 24, 2025

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Background and Relevance

The Railway Transport Regulatory Agency (ARTF) is racing against time to award the construction contract for the first 30.3 km subcontract of the Querétaro-Irapuato passenger train project. This crucial step aims to kickstart the development of a vital transportation link between these two Mexican states.

The ARTF’s decision is time-sensitive, as it must receive technical and economic proposals from interested parties by July 7 to commence work on July 30. The agency has been diligently reviewing detailed and meticulous responses to the 846 questions posed by companies through ComprasMX.

Key Players

Among the 40 national and international companies interested in this project are:

  • Jaguar Ingenieros Constructores
  • CAABSA Constructora
  • Rubau México
  • Constructora de Proyectos Viales de México
  • México Compañía Constructora
  • Operadora CICSA
  • Power China
  • Sinohydro
  • Calzada Construcciones
  • China Railway International Group
  • FCC Construcción
  • Acciona Infraestructuras México
  • ICA Constructora
  • La Peninsular Compañía Constructora
  • Mota Engil México
  • China Comunications Construction Company México
  • Impulsora de Desarrollo Integral y Comsa Infraestructuras

Several of these firms have previously participated in projects like the Tren Maya and the México-Toluca line.

Key Concerns and Requests

The companies have raised numerous technical, legal, economic, administrative, and engineering questions. Among their concerns is the need for at least one additional round of clarification meetings due to the extensive information that requires thorough analysis. Additionally, they have requested an extended deadline (30 to 45 days) for proposal submission, as the initial 22-day period has been adjusted due to response delays.

The companies with the most questions are:

  • Operadora CICSA (212)
  • Mota Engil México (153)
  • Construcciones Urales (95)
  • ICA Constructora (56)
  • Recal Estructuras (48)

Key Questions and Answers

  • Q: What is the significance of this project? A: The Querétaro-Irapuato passenger train project is a crucial transportation link between these two Mexican states, fostering economic growth and connectivity.
  • Q: Who are the key players involved in this project? A: Forty national and international companies, including Jaguar Ingenieros Constructores, CAABSA Constructora, Rubau México, and others, have shown interest in this project.
  • Q: What are the main concerns of these companies? A: Companies have raised numerous technical, legal, economic, administrative, and engineering questions. They also requested an additional round of clarification meetings and a longer proposal submission deadline.
  • Q: Why is this project important for Mexico? A: This project enhances transportation infrastructure, supports economic development, and improves connectivity between Querétaro and Irapuato.