…Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Monday said his controversial Mayan Train project would move ahead after residents in the five states where the train was proposed to run through voted in favour of the proposal.

The government reported overwhelming support in the region, with 99 percent voting in favour in Campeche. The lowest level of support was in Quintana Roo with 85 percent voting in favour. Just 100,000 people of the region's more than 11 million voted, however…

The proposed 1,525km (950-mile) train would connect communities and natural reserves in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. It is expected to cost between $6-8bn, but bring more than three million visitors and tourists to the region annually…

The project has faced some pushback, however, from environmental groups that worry about the effects of the train on the region's vast biodiversity, and indigenous groups who fear they will not be properly compensated or consulted throughout the process…

Despite the support, many also expressed concerns over the potential effects of the train on road conditions and wildlife. Questions also remain about how communities and residents would be compensated if the route ran through or affects their land or territory…