Mexican president: Cost of tourist train project could reach $20bn

27 July 2022 - 10:38 By Reuters
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.
Image: Mexico Presidency/Handout via REUTERS

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Tuesday the price tag for one of his flagship infrastructure projects, known as the Mayan Train, could reach up to $20bn.

The president has pushed several key public works projects including a still-offline oil refinery and a new capital airport, and he told a regular news conference that “never has so much been invested” in the country.

Lopez Obrador has touted the tourist rail project, a 1,470km loop through the Yucatan Peninsula, as necessary to developing Mexico's poor south.

Critics argue it is being rushed without considering the environmental impact.

The president added that construction on the rail project is advancing despite legal challenges because his government has declared it a matter of national security.

Reuters 

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.