Background on the Mexico-Toluca Intercity Train Project
The construction of the Mexico-Toluca intercity train project has spanned across three federal administrations, and it appears to be nearing completion. The Auditor Superior of the Federation (ASF) has recovered 23 million pesos following a technical review of the project, which involves supplying and launching rolling stock and rail systems for this intercity train. The train is expected to begin full commercial operation by the end of January 2026, following necessary tests.
Project Details and Contract Information
The project, initiated with a contract signed in December 2014 between the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) and Ferrocarril Interurbano (CAF), entailed manufacturing trains, installing rail systems, communication systems, ticketing systems, control centers, and electromechanical systems for tunnels and viaducts. The funds used to finance this project came from the National Infrastructure Fund (Fonadin) and underwent various modifications.
Recovered Funds Breakdown
- $15.6 million recovered by ASF for “the out-of-catalog original concept number PFC-T4-OE-2156, as its scope overlaps with the out-of-catalog original concept number PFC-T4-OE-2079.”
- $5.1 million recovered due to unverified participation of the designated personnel and their equipment.
- $2.3 million recovered for “the unforeseen concept in the original contract catalog, number PFC-T4-OE-2156, as the participation of all designated personnel in the relevant price matrix was not verified.”
Project Status and Observations
According to President Claudia Sheinbaum, after a supervision tour of the Santa Fe to Observatorio train stations, “We have fulfilled our commitment; the civil construction of the Mexico-Toluca train is complete, and almost all electromechanical work is finished. Now, the testing phase begins, which is crucial for signaling tests, certifications, and ensuring everything related to the train functions correctly. This testing phase will last approximately three months before the train is ready for public use by the end of January 2026.”
Audit Findings and Resolutions
The ASF’s conclusions indicate that seven findings were made, with only one not showing irregularities. The remaining six issues were resolved by the audited entity before the inquiry report’s issuance. The ASF concluded that, generally, SICT adhered to applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Mexico-Toluca intercity train project? It’s a railway connecting Mexico City and Toluca, which has been under construction for several federal administrations.
- Why did the ASF recover funds? The recovery stems from a technical review that identified overlapping scopes, unverified personnel participation, and unforeseen concepts in the original contract.
- What is the current status of the project? The civil construction is complete, and electromechanical work is nearly finished. The train will undergo a three-month testing phase before its commercial launch in late January 2026.
- What did the ASF conclude about SICT’s compliance? The ASF determined that, overall, SICT followed applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
