The local government of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, acting in conjunction with the Secretary of Communications and Transport (SCT), announced earlier this month that plans have been approved for the construction of a Trans-Peninsular train in the region. The government bodies have completed an in-depth analysis of the Trans-Peninsular Light Rail Transit project and are very satisfied with all of the legal, technical and cost-effective components.

The new railway line is part of a variety of efforts to bolster the already strong economy of the region and is expected to increase business, tourist and real estate opportunities throughout the entire Yucatan peninsula. The next step in getting the project off the ground is taking place this week and involves the SCT and state government officials meeting with the Investment Unit of the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP) to register the project and finalize funding prior to breaking ground on construction.

Yucatan governor Ivonne Ortega Pachesco and Secretary Dionisio Perez Jacome worked together throughout the entire analysis phase of the project and are extremely pleased at the many new opportunities the light rail system is expected to bring to the region. SCT has given the go-ahead for an investment of $12 billion pesos pending final registration of the project with the SHCP. The project could commence as early as late 2011 or early 2012, according to Jeanette Rosado, who is currently acting as executive secretary of the project.

The new Trans-Peninsular Light Rail service will include the movement of cargo as well as the transfer of passengers, and trains will reach average speeds of more than 120 kilometers per hour. Routes are planned to cover an estimated total distance of more than 330 kilometers, which will include the areas of Merida, Yucatan and Punta Venado (near Playa del Carmen in Riviera Maya) in Mexico’s state of Quintana Roo.