Project Kickoff by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo
The Mexican federal government has commenced the construction of the Mexico-Querétaro train, with an anticipated completion date in October 2028. The project’s kickoff was officiated by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, who highlighted the significance of this long-awaited connection between Mexico City and Querétaro.
Two-Hour Train Journey
The primary objective of this project is to establish high-speed passenger trains linking Mexico City and Querétaro, with a maximum speed of 200 kilometers per hour (km/h) over a 226 km double-track route. This initiative, explained by Andrés Lajous Loaeza, Director General of the Mexican Railway Regulatory Agency (ARTF), aims to reduce travel time from over two hours to just two hours, accounting for traffic congestion.
The train will enhance connectivity in the capital, connecting with the suburban train from Buenavista to Cuautitlán and linking to Mexico City’s metro, Metrobús, Ecobici, and Querétaro’s Qrobus public transport system.
Train Stations and Construction Process
The train will have several key stations, including Huehuetoca in the State of Mexico, Praderas del Potrero, Tula in Hidalgo, San Juan del Río, and potential stations in Los Héroes or Querétaro International Airport (AIQ). The design phase for these stations is currently underway, with plans to incorporate regional materials such as stone and brick.
Construction began in late September, with over 40% of the basic engineering completed. Gustavo Ricardo Vallejo, General of Division and Engineer Constructor of Felipe Ángeles Agrupamiento, expressed enthusiasm for the project and highlighted their team’s experience in building over 900 km of track, along with specialized personnel and equipment for ferroviary projects.
The team will work on existing freight tracks, separating them when necessary to maintain the train’s speed of 160-200 km/h. They face challenges such as reorganizing 117 level crossings into tunnels and elevated viaducts to accommodate high-speed passenger trains.
Economic Impact and Future Goals
This project is expected to stimulate the regional economy, generating nearly 200,000 jobs across 14 construction fronts and renting 3,000 to 4,000 heavy machinery units and material rolling stock.
President Sheinbaum aims to continue developing passenger trains towards Mexico’s north, with Querétaro playing a crucial role. She plans to develop the Mexico City-Querétaro and Querétaro-Irapuato routes, connecting to Nogales via the Gulf of Mexico and Nuevo Laredo through the Gulf of Mexico Railway. The Querétaro-Irapuato segment is expected to begin construction by June-July.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who initiated the Mexico-Querétaro train project? President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo officially started the construction.
- What is the primary goal of this project? To establish high-speed passenger trains linking Mexico City and Querétaro, reducing travel time from over two hours to just two hours.
- What are the key stations along the route? Huehuetoca, Praderas del Potrero, Tula, San Juan del Río, Los Héroes or Querétaro International Airport (AIQ), and Santiago de Querétaro.
- What are the expected economic benefits of this project? The project is anticipated to generate nearly 200,000 jobs and stimulate the regional economy.
- What are President Sheinbaum’s future plans for railway development? To continue developing passenger trains towards Mexico’s north, with Querétaro playing a crucial role in connecting to Nogales and Nuevo Laredo.
