In today’s blog we are going to share some information with you about the upcoming Maya Train project which is under development by the administration of newly appointed president Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO). He officially launched the Maya Train project with an indigenous ceremony near the ancient Mayan ruins of Palenque on December 16.
DISTANCE
The Maya Train will cover more than 1,500 kilometers in total, with plans to connect the states of Quintana Roo, Campeche and Chiapas.
ROUTE
Cancun will serve as the starting point for the line, departing from Cancun International Airport traveling through Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Campeche, Escárcega, Palenque, Ciudad de Campeche, Mérida, Chichen Itzá and Valladolid. There will also be a branch line to the Mayan archaeological site located in Calakmul.
SPEED
The Riviera Maya Train is going to be fast, running at speeds of 150-160 kph (93-99 mph.
AMENITIES
The train will be outfitted with a large dining room, lounge and panoramic viewing cars.
PURPOSE
Visitors to the the Riviera Maya and southern parts of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula will fast, easy access to areas that were once difficult to get to without long travel. Ancient Mayan archaeological sites, colonial cities, and tours will now be within a reachable distance, as speed and directness of travel connects the various dots on the map. Much like the bullet train in Japan, the peninsula will find increased movement of people like never before. The aim of the Maya Train project is to get people to venture off the beaten path and share some of Mexico’s hidden gems, which have much to offer in terms of archaeology and natural beauty.
TRANSPORT
The line will also be used by freight trains at night and move regional and local employees to work.
COST
In total, the massive infrastructure project is estimated to cost upwards of $5.2 billion USD.
DELIVERY DATE
The 1st stretch of the Cancun train between the airport and Tulum is likely to be completed within 2 years, with the southern stretch remaining part of a six-year plan.
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