From La Bestia to High-Speed Rail: Mexico’s Railway Renaissance Explained
By Niklas Martens
For decades, Mexico's railways have been primarily associated with "La Bestia," the freight train that travels through Mexico heading toward the U.S. border. This train, which carries goods like sugar, cereals, and cement, represents, for many, the last chance to reach the United States without paying for transportation. A European television channel once aired a documentary titled Heading North Through Mexico: The Train of Death 'La Bestia'."
To put it cautiously, the public image of Mexico's railway infrastructure could have been better—or you might even say it was virtually nonexistent. It is a country dominated by trucks and automobiles, a nation where freight and passenger transport overwhelmingly take place on the highways that crisscross its territory.
But this is about to change if the ambitions of former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) and current president Claudia Sheinbaum become a reality.
Crédito: México Desconocido
A Look Back in Time
Mexico’s railroad history began in the 1850s, connecting vast regions and fueling economic growth. During Porfirio Díaz’s dictatorship (1876–1910), railroads expanded rapidly, becoming essential for transporting goods and passengers. They reached areas inaccessible by road, linking remote regions to urban centers and serving as lifelines for industries and communities.
By the mid-20th century, railroads lost significance as automobiles and highway infrastructure gained prominence. Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México, the national railroad company, struggled financially by the 1990s. According to Economics professor Benjamín Alemán, inefficiencies and high costs made the system unsustainable, leading to a decline in passenger services.
In 1997, Mexico privatized its railways, retaining infrastructure ownership but granting operational rights to private companies. This shift prioritized efficiency and reduced public costs but also led to a focus on freight transport, deemed more profitable. As a result, passenger services disappeared, overlooking their broader societal benefits in favor of profitability.
Sheinbaum’s Vision and Plan México
Given the numerous benefits of an efficient railway system, Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s new president-elect, is full steam ahead on an ambitious railway overhaul. With her sights set on transforming the country’s infrastructure, Sheinbaum unveiled a bold national development plan, promising 3,000 kilometers of new railways and modernized roads. Her plan includes building new rail routes to connect key cities, including major hubs like Nogales, Nuevo Laredo, and Querétaro, which will boost both passenger and freight transport. With these ambitious plans, Sheinbaum aims to power up Mexico’s economy, sustainability, and connectivity, one track at a time.
And this plan forms part of a brighter vision- the “Plan México”. Plan México is a comprehensive strategy designed to drive economic growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance social development. It focuses on large-scale investments in transportation, energy, and industry to position Mexico as a global trade hub. The railway expansion is a key component of this initiative, aiming to improve logistics efficiency and boost connectivity between major economic centers.
As part of this vision, Sheinbaum’s administration plans to construct new rail routes connecting key cities, including major hubs like Nogales, Nuevo Laredo, and Querétaro. These projects will enhance both passenger and freight transport, reducing logistics costs and increasing trade competitiveness.
By integrating railway investments into Plan México, Sheinbaum is not only modernizing the country’s transportation networks but also prioritizing sustainability, economic development, and regional connectivity. Through this initiative, Mexico is set to strengthen its role in the global economy—one track at a time.a commitment to modernizing Mexico’s transportation networks while prioritizing sustainability and economic growth. By investing heavily in railways and roads, Sheinbaum’s administration seeks to improve the quality of life for millions, enhance regional connectivity, and position Mexico as a key player in the global economy.
Crédito: Obras por Expansión
So…what is planned?
Two Major Rail Lines Begin Construction: Mexico-Querétaro and Mexico-Pachuca
As part of President Claudia Sheinbaum's extensive infrastructure plans, construction has officially started on two major intercity rail lines: Mexico-Querétaro and Mexico-Pachuca. These new lines, along with the reopening of three other key routes—Mexico-Veracruz, Mexico-Nogales, and Mexico-Nuevo Laredo—are central to her transportation strategy.
“These projects are the cornerstone of my administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure,” Sheinbaum stated in her inauguration address. “Passenger rail services, once privatized, are now being reclaimed with pride as they represent regional development, employment, tourism, and shared prosperity,” she added.
An initial investment of USD 7.5 billion (Brooks, 2024) has been allocated for these rail projects, marking a significant commitment to expanding Mexico's transportation network.
Southeastern Rail Routes
Experts note the multiple benefits of rail transport, including its higher capacity, safety, lower environmental impact, and better travel comfort compared to other modes of transportation. However, Benjamin Alemán, an economics professor and consultant for the railway industry at ATTRAIN, points out the importance of sound planning and securing sufficient funds not just for construction but for long-term operation as well.
“From a mobility and public transport policy perspective, this is a solid investment,” Alemán explains. “However, it will add pressure to public finances, which are already stretched by other priorities such as health and public security.”
Concerns about transparency and environmental impact have raised questions about multi-billion-dollar investments, especially regarding the Maya Train, which has already faced environmental and financial scrutiny.
Passenger Trains in Operation
One of the most prominent infrastructure projects during former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s tenure (2018–2024) was the Maya Train, which aims to connect the Yucatán Peninsula through rail. The project has faced challenges, including environmental concerns and doubts about its profitability, given the hefty USD 30 billion investment needed to complete 1,500 kilometers of rail and associated tourism developments.
The Maya Train began operating in December, and by August, it had transported nearly 400,000 passengers, though it is still expected to take years to recoup its investment. In addition, the Interurban Train connecting Mexico City and Toluca, which faced delays and cost overruns, began partial operations last year and has already transported 1.8 million passengers, with a capacity of up to 230,000 passengers daily.
Another project, the Interoceanic Train, linking the Pacific and Gulf coasts, has seen lower passenger traffic but continues to serve freight services as well, with a shared investment of USD 1 billion.
Upcoming Rail Projects
The expansion of the Mexico City Suburban Train, connecting the capital to Felipe Ángeles International Airport over a 42-kilometer route, was another project initiated by López Obrador but set to be completed this year..
Continuing her predecessor’s rail expansion plans, President Sheinbaum launched two significant interurban rail lines shortly after taking office. The first heads to Pachuca, just 90 kilometers north of Mexico City, offering a faster and more convenient alternative to road transport. The second connects the capital to Querétaro, a key industrial and tourist hub, aiming to reduce the travel time of over four hours by car to just two.
Although these two new lines represent less than 350 kilometers of rail, Sheinbaum's broader vision includes 3,000 kilometers of new rail projects, with a budget of USD 7.5 billion (Brooks, 2024)—significantly lower than the Maya Train's cost.
In future phases, Sheinbaum plans to reopen the historic Mexico-Veracruz route, Mexico’s first passenger train line, which dates back to the 1850s. Additionally, new lines will extend towards the U.S. border, with routes heading to Guadalajara, Nogales, Monterrey, and Nuevo Laredo.
“The experience with the Maya Train has shown that passenger rail services should primarily focus on central and northern Mexico, as was the case in the past,” said Andrés Lajous, Director of the Regulatory Agency for Railway Transportation. “These regions are home to major population centers and economic hubs, where rail can provide an efficient, affordable, and comfortable alternative to road and air travel.”
Despite these ambitious plans, the current administration must address past concerns about the cancellation of passenger trains, including financial feasibility and environmental impact.
Risks and Chances
The resurgence of passenger rail projects in Mexico offers a combination of promising opportunities and notable risks, shaped by economic, environmental, and social factors.
One of the most significant advantages of these projects is the potential to enhance connectivity between cities, which can be seen as both a public service and a driver of economic development. Passenger trains can contribute to reducing travel times by more than 40%, offering an alternative to road transport that is not only 15% more economical but also capable of mitigating up to 80% of greenhouse gas emissions (Galván, 2024b). Moreover, the construction and operation of these rail lines generate substantial economic activity. For instance, the Tren Maya alone has created approximately 100,000 direct and indirect jobs over five years, with an anticipated 490,000 additional jobs expected from new projects.
Railways also benefit local industries and suppliers. Companies like Alstom-Bombardier, which established a factory in Hidalgo to manufacture train cars, exemplify how rail infrastructure projects stimulate industrial growth and innovation. Additionally, the use of existing corridors for new rail lines minimizes the environmental impact while maximizing resource efficiency.
Despite these advantages, the risks and challenges of such projects cannot be ignored. A recent example is the withdrawal of Deutsche Bahn, the national railway company of Germany, from the Tren Maya project. Initially a key partner responsible for operating the train, Deutsche Bahn ended its cooperation due to environmental concerns. This decision, which was seen by critics as an attempt to distance itself from allegations of human rights violations and environmental destruction, sparked controversy and negatively impacted the company’s image. Parliamentary inquiries revealed that Deutsche Bahn had previously extended its involvement, which was originally slated to end in 2023, raising questions about the transparency and accountability of such partnerships.
One of the broader challenges facing these rail initiatives is the general lack of transparency in their execution. The involvement of military engineers and the classification of railway construction as a matter of national security have led to limited public access to information about investments, expenditures, and expected returns. This opacity has drawn criticism from analysts and accountability organizations.
Geographical factors also play a critical role in these projects. The terrain in central Mexico poses significant difficulties for the construction of new rail lines, requiring careful planning and substantial engineering expertise to ensure safety and functionality. Failure to address these complexities could lead to delays, increased costs, or even significant setbacks.
Another crucial aspect is building confidence in society. Public trust in rail systems is still recovering after the tragedy of May 3, 2021, when a portion of the elevated section of Line 12 of the Mexico City Metro collapsed in Tláhuac, causing multiple deaths and injuring 80 others. The collapse, which occurred between the Olivos and Tezonco stations, was the deadliest accident in nearly 50 years of Metro history. This devastating event eroded public confidence in the safety of mass transit infrastructure. To avoid similar incidents, meticulous planning of railways, bridges, and tunnels is paramount, along with stringent adherence to safety standards and regular maintenance. Another risk is the dependency of some rail lines on specific types of traffic. For example, the Tren Maya heavily relies on seasonal tourism, which has resulted in a marked decline in passenger numbers during off-peak times. Similarly, the Interoceanic Train serves sparsely populated areas, limiting its potential for high passenger turnover.
Furthermore, delayed projects like the Interurban Train between Mexico City and Toluca underscore the risks of cost overruns and extended timelines. This project, which started in 2014, has experienced a cost increase of 240% and has only recently begun partial operations (El Insurgente: El Tren Interurbano Que Sheinbaum Hereda De AMLO Y EPN Aumentó Su Costo En 87 Mmdp, 2024).
Conclusion
Mexico’s railway system is shedding its old, rugged reputation as the infamous "La Bestia" and shifting towards a bold new future. While the plans to overhaul the country’s railways are as ambitious as they are transformative, they come with their fair share of risks. From the daunting geography to the lingering shadows of past accidents and financial hurdles, this is not a project for the faint of heart. But with the right mix of careful planning, transparent execution, and the public's faith, Mexico can leave behind its road-bound past and become a trailblazer in modern rail transport.
However, it’s important to remember that Mexico will always remain a country of cars. Cars, alongside airplanes, are still seen as the most practical ways to travel. The planned rail lines will likely connect the country's biggest economic hubs and cities—those that form the core of a very centralized nation. Smaller regions and cities, due to the vast size of Mexico and the challenges posed by geography and security concerns, will continue to rely on highways for their connectivity. Unlike Switzerland, where every village has its train station, the scale of Mexico, along with logistical and security challenges, makes this vision a distant dream. As much as railways might evolve in Mexico, the highways will remain the lifeblood of the country's transportation system for the foreseeable future.
That said, the upcoming railway system is shaping up to be a great alternative for the transportation of both passengers and goods, with the potential to revolutionize how Mexico moves people and products across its vast land. Mexico is certainly heading in the right direction with its railway plans, and if executed carefully, it will create a more integrated, efficient, and sustainable transport system in the long run.
Sources:
Brooks, D. (2024, 21. November). Trenes en México:
la enorme apuesta del país por el regreso del transporte ferroviario para potenciar su economía. BBC News Mundo. https://www.bbc.com/mundo/articles/cx2yp8443l5o
Galván, M. (2024, 11. Juli). Conoce todas las rutas de trenes que Claudia Sheinbaum busca construir en su sexenio. El Universal. https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/cartera/conoce-todas-las-rutas-de-trenes-que-claudia-sheinbaum-busca-construir-en-su-sexenio/
El Insurgente: el tren interurbano que Sheinbaum hereda de AMLO y EPN aumentó su costo en 87 mmdp. (2024, 26. August). Animal Politico. https://animalpolitico.com/politica/tren-interurbano-insurgente-amlo-pena-sheinbaum-costo
Nieto, O. B., Nieto, O. B. & Nieto, O. B. (2023, 5. Dezember). Trenes de pasajeros en México: rutas y Estados con proyectos ferroviarios para 2024. El País México. https://elpais.com/mexico/2023-11-29/trenes-de-pasajeros-en-mexico-rutas-y-estados-con-proyectos-ferroviarios-para-2024.html
El presidente de México establece una agenda audaz para transformar la movilidad y la infraestructura. (2024, 28. Oktober). Intertraffic. https://www.intertraffic.com/news/espanol/el-presidente-de-mexico-establece-una-agenda-audaz
Del Toro, E. (2024, 8. März). Estas son las propuestas de Claudia Sheinbaum para el sector ferroviario. T21. https://t21.com.mx/estas-son-las-propuestas-de-claudia-sheinbaum-para-el-sector-ferroviario/
