The move advances “Maya Train’s freight network, which is expected to be operational next year,” the Mexico News Daily reported Sept. 5.
The Mexican government this year is investing US$7.15 billion in several passenger projects, as well as in 70 km (43 miles) of freight infrastructure on the Mayan Train network on the Yucatan Peninsula, according to a report by Kevin Smith and William C. Vantuono, chief editors of International Railway Journal and Railway Age, respectively.
Semarnat “granted the environmental impact authorization for the construction of the [7.7 billion pesos/US$413 million] cargo terminal [in Cancun] that will be used for Maya Train maintenance and refueling,” according to the Riviera Maya News. “The permit was granted subject to the applicant subsequently processing additional authorization for the supply of fuel for self-consumption by the railway system.”
According to the Environmental Impact Statement, “As a result of the fuel supply zone for locomotives, the developer must take the necessary steps to obtain the corresponding environmental impact authorization for hydrocarbon sector activities from ASEA (Safety, Energy and Environment Agency), a decentralized administrative body of Semarnat,” the Riviera Maya News reported. The media outlet noted that authorization is needed before the terminal can operate.
There are slated to be two approximately 63,400 gallon (240,000 liter) diesel storage tanks and an approximately 5,300 gallon (20,000 liter) diesel exhaust fluid storage tank at terminal, which will be located on land owned by the Quintana Roo government, according to the Riviera Maya News. The land is south of Cancun International Airport and east of the Maya Train passenger station, reported the Mexico News Daily, which noted that the terminal will comprise 28 facilities, “including warehouses, a hazardous waste storage site, housing for National Guard officers and train crews, a customs inspection area and other cargo service infrastructure.” The terminal will link to Maya Train’s Section Five, the Daily said, “which runs south to Playa del Carmen and Quintana Roo, as well as to Section Four, which connects with the Mérida and Campeche stations.” It will also be “the first of two [terminals] built in the state,” the Riviera Maya News reported. The federal government is funding the terminal, which is “expected to be completed in 2026, at which time a second similar terminal will be built in Chetumal sometime in 2027,” according to the Riviera Maya News.
Further Reading:
- Wi-Tronix Teams With Tren Maya
- Mexico Moving on Passenger Rail Revival
- Mexico’s Outgoing President Announces Completion of Mayan Train Project
- Alstom Delivers First Tren Maya Long-Distance Trainset
- Mexico’s Next President Continues Passenger Train Revival
- Jordan, MacGregor Share Their Perspective on Developing Technology in the Rail Space
