Activists in Mexico have raised concerns over the Tren Maya (Maya Train) project, a $20 billion tourist train initiative led by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
Recent photos reveal that steel and cement pilings from the project have been driven directly through the roofs of environmentally sensitive limestone caves on the Yucatan peninsula.
The Yucatan’s network of caves, sinkhole lakes, and underground rivers is crucial for the region, providing the only source of freshwater due to the absence of surface rivers on the flat limestone peninsula. These areas also hold some of the oldest human remains in North America.
President López Obrador had previously assured that a portion of the Maya Train, designed to run on an elevated causeway, would avoid disrupting the caves and sinkhole lakes. However, the recently published images suggest otherwise.
The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) had claimed that soil mapping studies would be conducted to prevent damage to the caves. Still, cave expert Guillermo DChristy alleges that this was a false promise, stating, “López Obrador lied. They aren’t protecting the caves and sinkhole lakes. The damage is irreversible.”
The pilings were discovered at the Aktun Túyul cave complex, near Xpu Ha, around 17 miles south of Playa del Carmen. The columns, approximately 3 feet wide with a steel jacket and cement core, were found in an unfinished section of the train between Cancun and Tulum.
The Maya Train project has faced criticism from various quarters, including ecologists, cave divers, and archaeologists. López Obrador, aiming to complete the project before leaving office in September, has exempted it from normal permitting, public reporting, and environmental impact statements, citing national security concerns.
Despite officials presenting the train as a practical transport option for freight and residents, its primary income source is expected to be tourism. However, doubts persist regarding the project’s feasibility, given its frequent stops and unwieldy route. The Maya Train controversy underscores the ongoing clash between development ambitions and environmental preservation in Mexico.
The Tren Maya: Linking Mexico’s Past and Present through Railways
Introduction:
The Tren Maya, a visionary railway project spanning the Yucatán Peninsula, promises to redefine travel and tourism in Mexico. Commencing construction in June 2020, the railway is a testament to President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s ambition to connect historical Mayan sites with bustling tourist destinations.
Historical Roots and Political Controversy:
Rooted in President López Obrador’s 2018 announcement, the Tren Maya encountered skepticism from opposition groups, who deemed it a political ploy. Despite criticisms, a December 2019 referendum indicated widespread support, although criticized for its methodology and lack of comprehensive information dissemination.
Expansion and Financing:
Plans for extending the railway to Progreso and Umán in Yucatán reflect ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity. Financing primarily stems from regional tourism taxes, though estimates of project costs vary significantly.
Construction Challenges and Milestones:
Construction challenges, including environmental concerns and logistical complexities, have punctuated the project’s timeline. However, significant progress has been made, with operations inaugurated on the Campeche-Cancún section in December 2023. The route, divided into seven sections, underscores the project’s scale and ambition.
Operational Considerations and Future Prospects:
Operational intricacies, such as fare differentials for locals and tourists, signal the project’s multifaceted impact on local communities and international travelers. Despite concerns about rushed timelines, progress markers indicate substantial completion, with further expansions and station openings anticipated in early 2024.
Conclusion:
As the Tren Maya navigates its transformative journey through Mexico’s cultural and geographical tapestry, it facilitates travel and serves as a symbol of national ambition and connectivity. With each milestone, the railway weaves together Mexico’s rich history with its aspirations for the future, promising to leave an indelible mark on the nation’s landscape and collective identity.