TESTING is underway of freight locomotives on Mexico’s Mayan Train network on the Yucatán peninsula, marking a significant step to expanding the railway beyond its initial passenger focus.
Test runs are being carried out at night with three 3.3MW ES44AC diesel locomotives supplied by Wabtec on sections of the network toward Tenosique. The locomotives are performing coupling, the positioning of intermodal wagons and initial operational validation ahead of the introduction of regular freight services. The locomotives are equipped with ETCS.
The introduction of freight represents a strategic shift for the more than 1500km railway, which was originally conceived as a passenger-led project to encourage tourism. The addition of freight services is intended to improve the financial viability of the network while strengthening its role in regional logistics.
The development follows earlier investment in freight infrastructure, including approval of an intermodal terminal near Cancún valued at approximately $US 414.6m, which will include a rail yard as well as logistics and customs facilities.
