Introduction to the Project and Key Participants
The Mexican Secretaría de Infraestructura, Comunicaciones y Transportes (SICT) has initiated the process of publishing pre-bidding projects for the construction of two passenger train segments through its regulatory agency, Agencia Reguladora del Transporte Ferroviario (ARTF). This initiative aims to invest 11,501 million pesos in the development of these railway lines this year.
Project Details
- The first segment, to be constructed by private companies with basic engineering designed by military engineers, is the Apaseo el Grande-Querétaro (part of the Querétaro-Irapuato train line) spanning 30.7 km.
- The second segment, also to be built by private entities with basic engineering from military engineers, is the Unión San Javier-Arroyo el Sauz (part of the Saltillo-Nuevo Laredo train line) covering 110 km.
The execution periods for these projects are 730 and 960 days, respectively. Both segments will include bridges, viaducts, and other essential infrastructure.
Legal Framework and Timeline
Based on the delegation of powers agreement published in the Official Gazette of the Federation on January 28, 2025, and articles 10 and the third paragraph of the Public Works and Related Services Law, ARTF has initiated the public dissemination of the pre-bidding project. This allows professional individuals, chambers, or business associations involved in the railway sector to submit their comments by May 28, 2025.
Observations should be sent to ComprasMX (formerly known as CompraNet). The ARTF, led by Andrés Lajous for the first time in a passenger train licitation process, aims to publicize the international open competitive bidding on June 6 and accept technical and economic proposals (only via electronic means) one month later. This schedule intends to commence construction work by the end of July.
Government Support and Technical Information
In its pursuit of a successful licitation, the ARTF (currently transitioning to Agencia de Trenes y Transporte Público Integrado, ATTRAPI) has included extensive technical information in the pre-bidding project to enable interested construction companies to begin their analysis.
To expedite the process, SICT experts will conduct a preliminary review of interested parties’ specialty, experience, and capacity, as well as their non-proposal documentation. This review can occur up to six business days before the proposal submission and opening date, as outlined in the bidding project.
The implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology ensures real-time monitoring of construction progress, allowing necessary adjustments to meet time and budget requirements. The required BIM coordinator must have five verifiable years of experience and a professional engineering degree in civil, architectural, or related fields.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of this pre-bidding project? The ARTF aims to gather feedback from professionals, chambers, and business associations in the railway sector to ensure a successful licitation process for constructing two passenger train segments.
- What are the execution periods for these projects? The Apaseo el Grande-Querétaro segment is expected to take 730 days, while the Unión San Javier-Arroyo el Sauz segment will require 960 days.
- What technology is being used to monitor construction progress? Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology will be employed to ensure real-time tracking of construction advancements and enable necessary adjustments.
- What qualifications should the BIM coordinator possess? The BIM coordinator must have at least five years of verifiable experience and a professional engineering degree in civil, architectural, or related fields.
