Background on the Tren Maya Project
The Mexican federal government continues with land expropriations for the Tren Maya, a significant infrastructure project aimed at boosting economic, tourism, and social development in the region. The Tren Maya is a 1,524-kilometer railway network planned to traverse five states in southeastern Mexico, including Quintana Roo, Campeche, Yucatán, Chiapas, and Tabasco.
Recent Expropriations
On October 2, a new declaration of public utility was published for 21 plots to be expropriated and incorporated into the Tren Maya project. Out of these, six plots are located in Quintana Roo, totaling 51,187 square meters. Specifically, 23,892 square meters are situated in the municipalities of Benito Juárez, Puerto Morelos, Tulum, and Felipe Carrillo Puerto.
Legal Process and Timeline
According to the declaration, landowners have 15 business days to present evidence or arguments before the National Development Bank (Sedatu). However, the immediate occupation of the plots can be carried out through agreement, as permitted by law.
Previous Expropriations
Just two months prior, on August 15, the federal government expropriated approximately 1.9 hectares of land in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, specifically in the ejido X-Hazil. The National Institute for the Administration and Valuation of Domain Assets (Indaabin) issued an appraisal determining the total compensation at 1.2 million pesos based on the commercial value of the land.
July Expropriations
In July alone, eleven decrees were published in the Federal Official Gazette for land expropriations across the Yucatán Peninsula. One of the largest was on July 8, when 19.0133 hectares of ejidal lands were expropriated in Yucatán and Campeche.
Details of July Expropriations
The expropriated lands belong to the Yucatecan municipalities of Umán (San Antonio Poxilá ejidos), Mérida (Dzununcán), and Felipe Carrillo Puerto (Champotón) in Campeche. The total compensation amounts to over 16.86 million pesos, with values set between 88.27 and 116.06 pesos per square meter according to the federal appraisal.
Impact and Relevance
The Tren Maya project is expected to have a substantial impact on the region’s development, connecting major tourist destinations and promoting sustainable growth. The expropriation of lands is a crucial step in ensuring the successful implementation of this ambitious infrastructure project.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Tren Maya project? The Tren Maya is a 1,524-kilometer railway network planned to traverse five states in southeastern Mexico, aiming to boost economic, tourism, and social development in the region.
- Why are more lands being expropriated? The Mexican federal government is expropriating additional lands to ensure the successful construction of infrastructure related to the Tren Maya project.
- What is the significance of these expropriations? These land acquisitions are essential for the timely and efficient development of the Tren Maya, which is considered a project of collective interest by the Mexican government.
- How are landowners compensated? Landowners have 15 business days to present evidence or arguments before the National Development Bank (Sedatu). Compensation is determined based on the commercial value of the land, as per federal appraisal.
