CANCÚN, Mexico — The Mexican government has approved construction of the first freight terminal for the Maya Train, which aims to begin operating freight service to go with its passenger trains in 2026.
The Ministry of Environmental and Natural Resources (Semarnat) approved the environmental impact report for development of the 261-hectare (645-acre) site near Cancún, owned by the government of the state of Quintana Roo, El Economista reports. The approval is contingent on a separate authorization for railway fuel storage at the site.
The Cancún Multimodal Terminal will include a rail yard; a locomotive shop; warehouses, including one for hazardous waste; a customs building; administrative offices; accommodations for crew and Mexico’s National Guard; an electric substation; and a fire station, among other features. The Defense Ministry, which oversaw construction of the railroad and operates it, will have 18 months to complete the project. Mexico Business News reports the project is expected to cost 7.76 billion pesos ($414.6 million).
Greenpeace Mexico decried the project in a statement, saying it “seriously endangers biodiversity, Indigenous territories, and the ecological balance of the entire region.” Along with requiring clearing of 260 hectares of forest, the organization said the project will put 12 species at risk.
Initially promoted as a passenger operation to attract tourists to the Yucatan Peninsula, the Maya Train suffered significant losses during its first year, when only part of the route was in operation, leading the operation’s general director to say freight service was necessary for the line to become profitable [see “Mexico’s Maya Train sustains heavy losses …,” Trains.com, May 27, 2025]. President Claudia Sheinbaum, prior to taking office, had indicated the line would need some 35 billion pesos ($1.86 billion) in infrastructure for freight operations [see “Incoming Mexican government will need …,” Trains.com, Aug. 10, 2024].
A railroad run by the Mexican military who can’t even control the narco cartels will never be able to make the line profitable hauling freight or passengers. In the quasi socialists run country there is no incentive for profits or innovation inrail services.