Introduction to the Interoceanic Corridor of Tehuantepec (CIIT)
The Mexican federal government announced that the main railway, port, and logistics works of the Interoceanic Corridor of Tehuantepec (CIIT) have reached progress levels between 55% and 99%. The entire project is expected to conclude by March 2027.
Key Developments and Timeline
- Passenger Train “El Tehuanito”: The low-cost passenger train will start operations in December of this year, connecting communities within the Tehuantepec Isthmus through two routes:
- Tehuanito Norte, from Urbos to Ixtepec
- Tehuanito Sur, from Unión Hidalgo to Salina Cruz
- Oaxaca Developments: The Matías Romero railway complex, serving as the operations, dispatch, and maintenance center for the interoceanic railway system, is 55.1% complete with a projected completion date of July 2025.
- Line K: The rehabilitation of Line K, connecting Ciudad Ixtepec with Ciudad Hidalgo on the border with Guatemala, is 87.7% complete and expected to finish by mid-2025. This project will link Mexico with Central America, creating new cargo and passenger transportation routes.
- Track Segments: Track 1 (Ixtepec to Tonalá) is 99.4% complete and will finish in October, Track 2 (Tonalá to Huixtla) is 79.2% complete and will conclude in July 2024, while Track 3 (Huixtla to Ciudad Hidalgo) will finish in February 2026.
The stations for both routes have an overall advance of 82.6%.
Development Poles and Incentives
The CIIT director highlighted that the project includes 14 development poles for well-being, with nine already concessioned, three under international bidding, and two in the process of declaration. These industrial zones will offer federal and state tax incentives to attract private investment.
President Claudia Sheinbaum’s Statement
During President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo’s morning press conference on October 30, she confirmed that the first part of the interoceanic train will be inaugurated in November. She also mentioned that there is already a connection between the Tren Maya and the Tehuantepec corridor through the Palenque–Roberto Ayala–Dos Bocas branch, allowing transportation of production from the Olmeca Refinery to Southeast Mexico.
Estamos muy avanzados. El próximo mes inauguramos la primera etapa y estamos trabajando con el gobierno de Guatemala para extender la línea hacia Centroamérica.
— Claudia Sheinbaum (@Claudiashein) October 30, 2022
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Interoceanic Corridor of Tehuantepec (CIIT)? It is a major infrastructure project in Mexico that aims to develop railway, port, and logistics systems connecting the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, enhancing trade and transportation efficiency.
- What are the main achievements mentioned in this update? The passenger train “El Tehuanito” will start operations in December, the Matías Romero railway complex is 55.1% complete, Line K rehabilitation is 87.7% complete, and various track segments are nearing completion.
- What are the development poles and their significance? The CIIT project includes 14 development poles for well-being, which aim to attract private investment through federal and state tax incentives. These zones will contribute to industrial growth and job creation.
- What is the significance of connecting the Tren Maya with the Tehuantepec corridor? This connection will facilitate transportation of goods from the Olmeca Refinery to Southeast Mexico, boosting regional economic development and trade.
