Controversial Mayan train now rolling through Mexico
Despite concerns about possible environmental damage, a section of the controversial Mayan train is opened in Mexico. President Andrés Manuel López Obrado said it was "a masterpiece" that had been built "in record time". He severely reproaches environmentalists.
In Mexico, the Maya Train railroad project on the tourist peninsula of Yucatán, which is controversial for environmental reasons, has gone into operation. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador opened the first section to the vacation resort of Cancún in the south-western state of Campeche. Initially, only 473 kilometers of the total planned 1554 kilometers of the rail network were opened. The project was "a masterpiece" that had been built "in record time", said López Obrador. He later took part in the first ride.
According to the government, the entire route, known as the "Tren Maya", should be completed by the end of February. Despite fierce criticism from environmentalists, the tracks are still being laid in the rainforest and on fragile limestone ground with underwater caves south of Cancún. Environmentalists fear the impact on animals, underground rivers and the famous karst caves, known as cenotes, in the region. López Obrador, on the other hand, accuses environmental groups of collaborating with his political opponents.
In the meantime, environmental activists have obtained a temporary halt to the project in court. The government appealed against this and President López Obrador classified the construction work as a matter of "national security" by decree. Work was then resumed under the supervision of the army.
The Mayan Train is the largest infrastructure project of the current government. In future, up to three million tourists a year are to be transported from the beach resorts to the Mayan ruins in five federal states. Freight and normal passenger trains will also be able to run on the rail network.
Initially, four diesel trains a day will cover the almost 500 kilometers between San Francisco de Campeche on the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean resort of Cancún in around five and a half hours. Later, dual diesel-electric vehicles will also be put into operation. A total of 42 trains with a maximum speed of 160 kilometers per hour are planned.
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The Mayan Train, a contentious project due to environmental concerns, is expanding into the Mexican rainforest, sparking international debate. Environmentalists argue that the train's construction could harm wildlife, underground rivers, and iconic cenotes, while the Mexican government, led by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, views it as a matter of national security and presses on with the project.
Source: www.ntv.de
