Querétaro to Connect Bajio and Northern Regions
During her visit to Querétaro, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo announced that the state will regain its status as a central hub for passenger trains in addition to its existing role in freight transportation. The new train connecting Mexico City and Querétaro will serve as a crucial link for the Bajio and northern regions of Mexico.
Tren México-Querétaro Details
- The Mexico City-Querétaro train route will span 226 kilometers.
- The project is expected to be completed by 2027.
Sheinbaum Pardo explained that this train will not only connect Querétaro to San Luis Potosí and Nuevo Laredo, but it will also enhance communication between communities with fewer environmental impacts compared to other transportation methods.
Querétaro-Irapuato Train Construction
In addition to the Mexico City-Querétaro train, construction of the Querétaro-Irapuato train began this month. This line will extend to León and Guadalajara, further strengthening passenger train services in Mexico.
Improvements to Federal Highway 57
Sheinbaum Pardo also mentioned plans to improve Federal Highway 57, which has faced issues including recent accidents. Once the train service is operational, travel times will significantly decrease due to high-speed train travel at 150 kilometers per hour, making it a more efficient transportation option.
Housing Initiatives
Infonavit and Conavi Housing Projects
Regarding housing, the Mexican National Housing Commission (Infonavit) has started building 25,000 homes for workers earning equal to or less than two minimum wages. The Commission of National Housing (Conavi) aims to develop 7,000 homes for non-registered workers.
Poverty Reduction
Sheinbaum Pardo highlighted that in six years, 13.5 million Mexicans have been lifted out of poverty, which previously affected 29.6% of the population.
- The real minimum wage has increased by 135% from 2018 to 2025, with no corresponding rise in inflation or decrease in foreign direct investment (FDI).
- The administration aims for the minimum wage to cover the cost of 2.5 basic food baskets by 2030.
Social Program Beneficiaries
Querétaro currently supports 496,016 individuals directly through government programs, totaling an investment of 11,888 million pesos.
- 205,542 adults over 60 receive universal pensions.
- 15,785 individuals with disabilities receive scholarships.
- 68,133 adolescents receive support for upper-level secondary education.
- 3,278 young adults receive support for higher education.
- 42,372 primary school students receive scholarships, primarily from indigenous communities.
Collaboration with State Government
Querétaro’s Governor Mauricio Kuri González expressed his commitment to continue working alongside the federal government for the benefit of Mexico and Querétaro state.
