THE first tracks were laid at the end of January on the 257km Izamal - Cancún section 4 of the 1525km seven-section Mayan Train project in Mexico. This paves the way for the arrival and movement of ballast machines representing the first resistance tests for sleepers, as well as the laying of definitive tracks, ballast and fastenings.
Land reconnaissance has started in the Bahía Príncipe area of the 110km Cancún – Tulum section 5, while the delivery of rails for the 60.3km section 5 south was completed and has begun on the 49.8km section 5 north.
The new line will bypass the urban area of Playa del Carmen on section 5 to reduce the impact of the project on third parties and economic activity in the area.
On the 228km Palenque - Escárcega section 1, the manufacture of sleepers is progressing at the sleeper plant in El Triunfo, Balancán, and maximum production will be reached in May when the plant will produce 1500 sleepers per day.
On the 235km Escárcega - Calkiní section 2, channelling of polyducts for fibre optic cables is underway in Kobén, Campeche, while embankment laying and shaping work is being conducted in Pomuch,
On the 172km Calkiní - Izamal section 3, the construction of level crossings is progressing in Becal, Campeche.
Fonatur, which is responsible for implementing the project, expects trains to be running on the first section of the new railway in 2023.
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