The financial challenge of the Mayan Train and its dependence on freight transportation
The Mayan Train, one of the emblematic projects of the previous government, faces a key challenge: reaching its financial equilibrium point by 2030. According to David Lozano Águila, general director of the work, this objective will only be possible if the transportation of goods is effectively integrated into its operation. “Even operating at maximum capacity in the transfer of passengers, we will not generate enough income to achieve profitability without the cargo component,” he explained during his participation in an event organized by the Mexican Railway Association (AMF).
The strategic importance of charging infrastructure
Lozano Águila highlighted that, at a global level, no railway system dedicated exclusively to the transportation of people is financially self-sustaining. “To balance the books, we need to reactivate the pre-existing charging network in the region,” he said. This approach would allow not only to optimize the resources already invested, but also to boost the local and national economy through the efficient movement of goods.
Projections indicate that, starting in 2027, the Mayan Train could transport around two million tons per year of products, a figure that would increase progressively as alliances with companies are consolidated. “Currently, we are collecting letters of intent from companies that historically used rail and now depend on road transportation,” said the director, although without revealing specific numbers of participants.
Next steps and expectations
The team in charge of the project hopes to close the majority of commercial agreements by mid-2026, prioritizing key industrial sectors. This strategy would not only ensure the economic viability of the train, but would also reduce the environmental impact by decongesting roads and reducing carbon emissions.
The technical analysis suggests that, without multimodal integration (passenger and cargo), projects of this magnitude face long-term operational risks. International experience supports this vision: successful rail corridors, such as those in Europe or Asia, combine both services to maximize their profitability and social utility.
Are you interested in the future of sustainable transportation in Mexico? Share this analysis and discover more about how the Mayan Train could transform national logistics in our strategic projects section.
Explore more content on infrastructure and economic development here.
