Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s visit to Cancun marked a significant moment in the region, as he inaugurated the new Cancun-Palenque route for the Mayan Train.
The president arrived in Cancun at approximately 6:30 in the morning and expressed his happiness regarding the commencement of operations on this new railway route. He also extended his New Year wishes to all present.
To ensure the president’s safety during his visit, a security operation was orchestrated by the Secretariat of the National Defense (Sedena) and the National Guard (GN). Just ten minutes after President López Obrador’s arrival, the Mayan Train was prepared for departure.
Onboard the train were the governors of Quintana Roo, Mara Lezama Espinosa, and Yucatan, Mauricio Vila, who had arrived an hour earlier. Also present were other federal authorities, including the head of Sedena, Luis Crescencio Sandoval.
Supporters of President López Obrador gathered at the Cancun station, although they were unable to catch a glimpse of him as he swiftly boarded the train.
The newly inaugurated section of the Mayan Train, running from Cancun to Palenque, spans approximately 800 kilometers and requires approximately 12 hours of travel time. It’s worth noting that Mayan Train services were suspended for December 31, with only the president’s journey available on that day.
Service routes are scheduled to resume in January 2024, specifically on the sections from Cancun to the city of San Francisco, Campeche. Governor Mara Lezama emphasized the historical significance of the Cancun-Palenque route, stating that it would foster economic development in the benefiting states.
According to the Mexican government, the last point to be inaugurated is Tram 5 South, located in Cancun, with plans to open it in February 2024. The ongoing development of the Mayan Train station in Cancun is focused on enhancing infrastructure and waiting room facilities to accommodate passengers.