A loose railway fitting caused a train car to derail on the Maya Train, a tourist rail route in Mexico, on March 25. This incident proved embarrassing for President López Obrador, who sees the $20 billion railway as one of his key projects. While no one was injured in the derailment, critics have raised concerns about the project being wasteful and damaging to the environment. The president aims to complete the railway before leaving office on September 30, despite criticisms about the haste with which it is being built.
Defense Secretary Sandoval revealed that the rail switch involved in the accident is intended to be operated automatically in the future. However, since the automated system is not yet in place, the switch had to be manually loosened, moved, and returned to its original position by hand. It was during one of these manual operations that the fitting was not properly tightened back in place, leading to the derailment. The companies responsible for the trains and the railway stretch, Alstom and Azvindi, are assessing the extent of the damage caused by the mishap.
President López Obrador’s decision to build the railway through a stretch of jungle has faced criticism from activists concerned about the impact on the delicate limestone caves in the Yucatan peninsula. Despite assurances that an elevated platform would be built to protect the caves, concrete and steel pilings were driven through the roofs of the caves, as revealed by activists in March. These caves, sinkhole lakes, and underground rivers are not only environmentally significant but also hold some of the oldest human remains in North America, making them culturally important as well.
The Maya Train project, inaugurated in December, aims to connect beach resorts and archaeological sites along a 950-mile route in the Yucatan peninsula. Constructed partially by the Mexican army and to be operated by the armed forces, the project has faced criticism for its potential damage to the environment and historical sites. Despite these concerns, President López Obrador remains committed to completing the project before the end of his term. The mishap on March 25 highlighted some of the challenges and controversies surrounding the construction of the Maya Train, raising questions about the impacts of the project on the environment and cultural heritage of the region.
Activists have warned about the damage the Maya Train project could cause to the sensitive limestone caves in the Yucatan peninsula, a region known for its unique geological features and historical significance. The network of caves, sinkhole lakes, and underground rivers not only holds archaeological treasures but also serves as the primary source of fresh water for the region. The construction of the railway has raised concerns about the potential destruction of these valuable natural resources and cultural heritage sites. Despite promises to minimize impact, the project’s implementation has already led to damage to the caves, as seen in the photos published by activists.
As the investigation into the derailment on the Maya Train continues, questions about the safety and environmental impact of the project persist. President López Obrador’s ambitious goal to complete the railway before the end of his term faces challenges and criticisms from various groups concerned about the project’s implications. The incident on March 25 has highlighted the risks and controversies surrounding the construction of the Maya Train, prompting calls for greater caution and environmental protection measures. The future of the project remains uncertain as authorities and stakeholders assess the damage and consider the best course of action moving forward.
