Introduction and Project Overview
The Mexican Secretaría de Infraestructura, Comunicaciones y Transportes (SICT) has published a cost-benefit analysis for the Saltillo-Nuevo Laredo passenger train line, which spans 363.1 km across Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas. The estimated initial investment for this project is 138,060.1 million pesos.
This segment is part of the Mexico-Nuevo Laredo route, a key commitment by President Claudia Sheinbaum. In its first year of construction, approximately 30,000 million pesos are planned to be allocated.
Project Details
The proposed route will utilize existing freight right-of-way operated by Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) and new right-of-way in certain areas for an optimized track. The design speed is between 177-200 km/h, and it refers to a double-track, non-electrified line with terraplenes, tunnels, and viaducts.
The route includes 11 viaducts and a couple of tunnels. Eleven diesel-electric trains, designed for international standard gauge, will be used with capacities ranging from 350 to 500 seats, each measuring 210 meters long. These trains will have an interior circulation passage, spaces for passengers with reduced mobility, luggage areas, luggage racks, restrooms, and a cafeteria.
Risks and Challenges
According to SICT, potential risks include rising construction material costs (cement, steel, asphalt, and stone aggregates), insufficient budget availability to complete the project on time, demand variations affecting projected demand due to parameter changes or health contingencies, natural disasters impacting the study area, and increased operational, maintenance, and conservation costs.
Stations and Demand
The SICT states that the train line will have five stops: two terminals at the route’s ends in Saltillo and Nuevo Laredo, and three intermediate stations in Santa Catarina, Monterrey center, and Monterrey north (Las Torres).
The project is expected to conclude by the end of 2028, with commercial operations beginning the following year after tests. Initial demand projections estimate 40,197 daily passengers based on the cost-benefit analysis studies.
The SICT clarified that demand studies are 93% complete and will be submitted according to the guidelines. The public bidding process for the segment will start in July, aiming for private companies to construct it.
Meanwhile, personnel from the Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional (Defensa) continues developing basic engineering for the entire Mexico-Nuevo Laredo route.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the estimated cost of the Saltillo-Nuevo Laredo passenger train line? The initial investment is 138,060.1 million pesos.
- What type of trains will be used for this project? Eleven diesel-electric trains with capacities between 350 and 500 seats will be employed.
- What are the potential risks associated with this project? Risks include rising construction material costs, insufficient budget availability, demand variations, natural disasters, and increased operational costs.
- How many stops are planned for the Saltillo-Nuevo Laredo train line? There will be five stops, including two terminals and three intermediate stations.
- When is the public bidding process for this project expected to begin? The process will start in July.
