The planned construction of a major railway network is underway in Central America, connecting Panama to Mexico by 2035. This ambitious $52 billion project is spearheaded by six Central American countries and was announced at the International Transport Forum in Leipzig, Germany. Its primary goal is to enhance regional connectivity and stimulate economic development.
The proposal, known as the Regional Mobility and Logistics Master Plan 2035, was presented by the Secretariat for Central American Economic Integration (SIECA). It outlines the establishment of 11 new rail corridors across Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. These corridors are expected to link with Mexico’s Maya Train and the Interoceanic Train along the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
Key Project Components
- Creation of 11 new rail corridors in Central America.
- Connection to existing rail networks such as Mexico’s Maya Train.
- Integration of both freight and passenger rail services.
Francisco Lima Mena, the secretary general of SIECA, mentions that discussions regarding this initiative are well underway. Mexico has committed to supporting Guatemala with 400,000 meters of rails and associated materials to rejuvenate its freight lines for connection to Mexico’s southern network.
El Salvador, as part of the initiative, has already pledged $1.8 billion to enhance its rail infrastructure. The overall funding will largely depend on public-private partnerships and soliciting support from international lenders.
This railway system is anticipated to boost trade within Central America and with markets in North America and Asia. Additionally, it aims to foster economic growth within remote and underserved communities, potentially mitigating migration issues across the region.
The master plan also proposes harmonizing technical standards, establishing regional biosafety protocols, and creating a dedicated regional rail authority to manage operations.
Although Belize is currently not part of the proposed corridors, SIECA noted that incorporating it would be straightforward if the project’s momentum continues.
This project coincides with Mexico’s continuous investment in rail infrastructure, initiated by former President López Obrador and pursued by current President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has intentions to extend Mexican train services into Guatemala.
For more details, read the full article on Mexico News Daily.
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