The Mexican Government is postponing the engineer bidding process for the proposed $6.5 billion Mayan Train Project.
The postponement comes on the heels of a decision to shorten the 1,525-kilometer (948-mile) route. The flagship rail project was originally set to run from beach resorts at Cancún to the Mayan archaeological site at Palenque. It would reportedly connect cities, towns and tourist attractions in five southern states, and serve an estimated 8,000 passengers per day.
With the modified design, the train would pass through state and federal highways only, and will not be passing through a concessioned Kantunil-Cancún highway as originally planned, according to InfraPPP. The cutback will save an estimated $287 million in costs.
The project will consist of 10 tenders, totaling $8 million. Three of the tenders will be carried out this year.The tender has already attracted 79 companies.
Originally scheduled for June 14, the tender announcement has
