Strategic Importance for Western Region’s Logistics Hub
Guadalajara, Jalisco. To boost Jalisco’s competitiveness, expedite goods leaving Manzanillo port, and alleviate traffic congestion on the southern access to Guadalajara’s metropolitan area, local authorities and the private sector urge the federal government to prioritize the freight railway between El Salto industrial corridor and Aguascalientes.
Mauro Garza Marín’s Perspective
“It’s absurd that less than 12% of the cargo arriving at Manzanillo port is transported by rail, when it should be a primary mode of cargo movement,” stated Mauro Garza Marín, strategic growth and development coordinator for Jalisco.
Shorter Travel Time and Distance
Miguel Ángel Landeros, president of the Mexican Business Council for External Trade (Comce) in the Western region, told El Economista that currently, to transport goods by train from El Castillo in El Salto to Aguascalientes and then north, the road journey is 487 kilometers. However, a direct railway connection from El Castillo to Encarnación de Díaz would reduce the distance to just 188 kilometers.
“The average speed during the journey, which is 23 kilometers per hour on roads, would increase to 56 kilometers per hour. Imagine the difference in time and costs; it’s enormous, considering much of that cargo arrives from the coast via Manzanillo and is also produced locally. Building this freight railway presents a significant opportunity for the trade exterior sector and all productive sectors,” Landeros Volquarts emphasized.
Less Pressure on Manzanillo
According to Mauro Garza, only 27% of cargo arriving at Manzanillo port is ultimately destined for Jalisco, while the rest is merely passing through. “If we had an efficient freight railway transportation system, that 80% not going to our state could travel by rail, reducing the current roadway problems,” he stressed.
Regional Competitiveness
Luis Aguirre Lang, president of the Logistics Hub Commission belonging to Jalisco’s Council of Industrial Chambers, highlighted the importance of mobility and multimodal infrastructure for regional development and the state. “Having a direct railway connection from Jalisco to Aguascalientes via Ferromex represents a significant competitive advantage for the Western region, facilitating the unloading of maritime cargo from Manzanillo.”
“Connecting Aguascalientes with the automotive industry located there and allowing them to use this connection would be highly advantageous, as rail transport is one of the most cost-effective methods alongside maritime transport. This federal investment in Jalisco and Western region connectivity would be highly beneficial and a competitive advantage for the region,” Aguirre Lang concluded.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue these business leaders and authorities are addressing? They urge prioritizing the freight railway between El Salto industrial corridor and Aguascalientes to boost Jalisco’s competitiveness, expedite cargo from Manzanillo port, and alleviate traffic congestion.
- Why is this railway project considered strategic? It would reduce travel time and distance, lessen pressure on Manzanillo port, and enhance the Western region’s competitiveness in logistics.
- What are the benefits of having an efficient freight railway system? It would cut costs by shortening distances and increasing speed, facilitating cargo movement from Manzanillo port and benefiting various productive sectors.
