Expansion plans for the Tren Maya and Tren Interoceánico to Central America have been put in motion, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum spearheading the initiative to extend rail services to Guatemala and Belize. This ambitious proposal aims to develop railway connections between Mexico and its southern neighbors, building on conversations held between previous Mexican president Andrés Manuel López Obrador and Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo.
During her recent press conference, Sheinbaum noted the joint commitment from both nations to proceed with the project, clarifying, "El objetivo de ese tren es que siga a Guatemala; es algo que hablaron en su momento el presidente Arévalo con Andrés Manuel López Obrador y que nosotros estamos interesados en continuar. Él está interesado también en continuar." The connection to Guatemala is envisioned as part of broader regional development efforts, with Sheinbaum highlighting its importance for employment and infrastructure growth.
The Tren Interoceánico is already making headway, currently recording 66% completion on its route, particularly the Línea K which links Ixtepec, Oaxaca, with the southern border city of Ciudad Hidalgo, Chiapas. This new rail link is expected to facilitate transport and trade, potentially commencing operations by early 2026. Currently, two lines of the Interoceánico are operational, with the Línea Z linking Coatzacoalcos to Salina Cruz and offering services both for passengers and freight.
Significant is the project’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Sheinbaum emphasized the necessity of protecting the El Petén rainforest, stating, "También recuperaremos ya muy pronto las pláticas con Belice, porque la idea también era que el Tren Maya pudiera entrar por Belice para poder salvar el Petén, que es una selva muy importante, que entre por Belice para poder también entrar a Guatemala." This approach not only aims at safeguarding one of Central America’s most precious natural reserves but also seeks to promote sustainable tourism and economic growth.
The plans have gained traction with support from Belizean Prime Minister Johnny Briceño, who is reportedly engaging with the Mexican government to facilitate the Tren Maya’s arrival to Belize, effectively establishing the first link of what could become an integrated regional railway network. Briceño has signaled two proposals: one for extending the rail from Chetumal, Mexico, over the river boundary to Belize and the other to connect directly to Guatemala's archaeological site, Tikal. The distance from Chetumal to Belize’s border is around seven kilometers, presenting the perfect opportunity to kickstart international railway connections.”
According to projections, the completion of the rail extensions could yield approximately 100,000 jobs, reaffirming the Mexican government’s strategy for southern development through investment. The intention behind these expansions is not just to connect cities but to create vibrant economic hubs along the rail network, facilitating trade, tourism, and job opportunities across borders.
Sheinbaum reiterated the role of these developments within the broader framework of Mexico’s southern development agenda, stating, "Es uno de los proyectos de desarrollo que tenemos, estamos ya en pláticas con Guatemala, se va a ir desarrollando y también lo vamos a ir informando, el objetivo es el desarrollo de Guatemala y el desarrollo de México en la frontera sur." This outlines Mexico's strategic plan to boost investment and productivity, aiming for mutual growth with neighboring Guatemala.
With discussions well underway, the international collaboration marks not just infrastructural advancement but also signifies diplomatic goodwill aimed at enhancing relations among Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. The upcoming expansions of the Tren Maya and Tren Interoceánico will likely play pivotal roles as both nations seek to address economic disparities and promote regional integration.
The expansion efforts come at a time when connectivity and infrastructure have become focal points for economic uplift across the region. With the heightened focus on mitigating environmental impacts, the planned routes through Belize signal responsible governance and consideration for one of the ecological hotspots of Central America.
Overall, the proposed railway extensions stand to not only transform the transportation landscapes of Mexico and its neighbors but also lay the groundwork for sustainable economic collaboration, serving as potential models for similar initiatives aimed at fostering unity and resilience through infrastructure improvement.