In the second half of the 20th century, Mexico largely abandoned passenger rail transportation; however, it has reintroduced railways as part of its 21st-century development agenda. With Claudia Sheinbaum assuming the presidency in 2024, new railway initiatives have been launched that aim to reshape not only the country’s transportation policy but also its socio-economic structure and environmental governance.
The railway projects spearheaded by Sheinbaum follow a political trajectory that continues the legacy of her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, emphasizing “a stronger state and more autonomous development.”[1] These projects, seen as extensions of initiatives like the Maya Train, serve as tangible indicators of a shift away from the neoliberal-era trend of privatization toward re-nationalizing infrastructure. Railways in Mexico are not only tools of transportation but also symbols of national sovereignty and centralized planning.
The railway initiatives are also being implemented under the umbrella of the Plan México, a national strategy for industrialization and shared prosperity. This plan envisions new rail lines extending to central and northern Mexican states, aimed at enhancing logistical networks by linking industrial zones. The Mexico City–Pachuca (55 km) and Mexico City–Querétaro (227 km) lines alone are projected to receive a total investment of approximately $9.5 billion USD.[2] These projects are designed to generate employment and reduce regional inequalities.
The Querétaro line in particular will traverse four states and connect 22 municipalities, indicating a boost to local economies through infrastructure investments. However, whether these rail lines will be economically viable remains a topic of debate. As expert Jaime Paredes has noted, such ventures are “not commercially profitable but are social projects.”[3] For sustainable implementation, it would be beneficial to assess both commercial and economic components, without diminishing state subsidies.
Rail transportation is generally presented as a more environmentally friendly alternative to road or air travel. However, the steel, cement, and energy consumption required for constructing rail lines carries significant ecological costs. While the Pachuca line is considered to pose lower environmental risks—since it cuts through agricultural lands and areas with low ecological quality—the Querétaro route threatens numerous protected natural habitats.
The Querétaro route spans 90 hectares, including 5 hectares of forest and 0.62 hectares of low woodland. The project area is home to 63 endangered plant species and 136 animal species. [4] Expected environmental consequences also include the degradation of water sources, increased flood risk, air pollution, and ecological fragmentation. These realities call into question the practical sustainability of railway investments that are often supported by environmental rhetoric.
The revival of rail infrastructure can also be interpreted as an effort to mend Mexico’s fragmented social fabric. Populations in rural and semi-rural regions have long suffered from insufficient infrastructure and underwhelming economic development. The new rail lines aim not only to physically connect these areas with metropolitan centers but also to improve access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and employment thus promoting greater social integration. In addition, this strategy may help prevent displacement and alleviate the pressures of urbanization.
Reconstructing the railway system also signifies a revival of a transportation culture that holds a special place in Mexico’s national memory. Especially in rural communities, train travel was historically more than a means of transport—it served as a vehicle for social interaction and regional identity. In this sense, railways represent not just physical infrastructure but also a symbolic process of reconnection. These new projects may contribute to preserving and revitalizing local cultures and heritage.
Nevertheless, the long-term success of these initiatives is seen as dependent not only on technical standards and construction quality but also on public trust and engagement. Actions taken without consulting local communities during the implementation process may provoke significant social tension in the future. Therefore, transparency, public oversight, and accountability in decision-making are of critical importance. Moreover, monitoring environmental impacts and implementing effective compensation mechanisms for damaged ecosystems will play a key role in ensuring the sustainability of Mexico’s development policies.
These railway projects can also be considered part of Mexico’s broader strategy to increase its international economic competitiveness. The country’s strong trade relationship with the United States and its position within the USMCA (United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement) have highlighted the need for a more efficient logistics infrastructure. By improving connections between industrial zones and export terminals, the new railway lines are expected to boost domestic trade and facilitate quicker access to global markets. In this context, railways are not merely a tool for modernizing internal transportation but also a means of enhancing Mexico’s integration into global supply chains.
In conclusion, Mexico’s effort to revive passenger rail transport should be viewed not simply as a transportation reform, but as a multi-layered development strategy. The railway projects initiated under Claudia Sheinbaum’s leadership aim to revitalize weakened public services, accelerate regional development, ensure environmental sustainability, and bolster global competitiveness. However, achieving these ambitious goals depends not only on technical capacity but also on social legitimacy, environmental responsibility, and long-term planning. If public participation is strengthened, environmental effects are carefully monitored, and economic sustainability is secured, Mexico’s railway projects may rebuild more than tracks—they could redefine the country’s path toward solidarity and development.
[1] Godoy, Emilio. A Long and Winding Path to Revitalize Passenger Trains in Mexico. Inter Press Service, http://www.ipsnews.net/2025/04/long-winding-path-revitalize-passenger-trains-mexico/, (Accessed Date: 08.04.2025).
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
