Mexico to Inaugurate Passenger Railway Connecting AIFA in July 2025

Mexico is set to make a historic comeback in passenger rail transportation, as President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the inauguration of the Mexico-AIFA railway in July 2025. The announcement, made alongside Andrés Lajous Loaeza, head of the Regulatory Agency for Railway Transport, highlights the government’s goal of constructing 3,000 km of passenger train routes throughout the country.

Expanding Mexico’s Passenger Rail Network

The new railway system aims to improve connectivity between Mexico City (CDMX) and the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), while also boosting economic development and offering an eco-friendly alternative to road travel.

According to Sheinbaum, the next phase of construction will extend the AIFA railway to Pachuca, with completion expected by 2027.

Key Railway Projects in Progress

The administration is advancing multiple railway projects, including:

• Lechería-AIFA (completion in progress)
• AIFA-Pachuca (construction begins March 2025)
• Mexico-Querétaro (construction begins April 2025)
• Saltillo-Nuevo Laredo (construction begins July 2025)
• Querétaro-Irapuato (construction begins July 2025)

Government and Military Collaboration

The Mexican Army (Sedena) is assisting in engineering and construction, ensuring fast-tracked progress on railway infrastructure. Sedena is financing 60% of basic engineering studies, with the remaining 40% funded by specialized companies.

Interurban and Regional Train Services

The new passenger rail system will offer:

• Interurban Services – Connecting large metropolitan areas.
• Regional Services – Restoring access for smaller communities previously cut off from passenger rail services after privatization in the 1990s.

Three types of stations will be implemented:

1. Terminal Stations – Major hubs (e.g., Buenavista, CDMX).
2. Intermediate Stations – Located in medium-sized cities.
3. Paradero Stations – Small stops in rural areas.

Railway Routes and Development Status

Lechería-AIFA Train (80% complete)

• Electrified railway from Buenavista to AIFA (39-minute travel time).
• Features six stations, 10 trains, and nine vehicular bridges.

AIFA-Pachuca Train (construction starts March 2025)

• Serving Tizayuca, Tamascalapa, Tepojaco, Huitzila, and Pachuca.
• Pre-investment studies and environmental impact assessments submitted.

Mexico-Querétaro Train (construction starts April 2025)

• Stops in Buenavista, Tula, San Juan del Río, and Querétaro.
• Designed for high-speed travel between CDMX and Querétaro.

Querétaro-Irapuato Train (construction starts July 2025)

• Key stations: Querétaro, Celaya, Salamanca, Irapuato.
• Aims to revitalize regional economies and expand connectivity.

Saltillo-Nuevo Laredo Train (construction starts July 2025)

• Serves Derramadero, Saltillo, Ramos Arizpe, Santa Catarina, Monterrey, Escobedo, and Nuevo Laredo.
• Pre-investment and environmental studies underway.

Mexico’s Growing Role in Global Rail Infrastructure

According to General Ricardo Vallejo Suárez, Mexico ranks:

• #11 globally in railway infrastructure per square kilometer.
• #15 in passenger rail usage worldwide, aligning with the country’s economic growth.

Benefits of Mexico’s Passenger Rail Expansion

• Faster travel times and reduced congestion.
• Stronger regional economies through infrastructure investment.
• Lower carbon emissions, making travel more sustainable.
• More affordable transport options for passengers.

The Mexico-AIFA railway marks the beginning of a national rail revival, bringing high-speed, modern train travel back to the country after decades of decline.