“Key Mexico infra works run into heavy roadblocks”, 5 February 2020

Mexico’s national tourism board Fonatur is attempting to overcome several obstacles that could potentially halt or suspend its plans for major infrastructure projects planned for 2020-24. The board…received daunting news related to the US$6.7bn Maya train and the US$1bn Grand Island Cancún complex. While the train project faces opposition from indigenous communities in the southern region, while limited space and water availability threaten the hotel complex in Cancún, Quintana Roo state…Fonatur’s director…admitted this week that a temporary suspension on the Maya train applies, even though Fonatur denied the legal restriction last week. The director told state news service Notimex that the temporary suspension was granted by a district court in Campeche state…Thus Fonatur will carry on with works for the train until a government official is served with a court order. In the meantime, the agency will develop a legal strategy to counter any possible suspension… 

[President] AMLO opted for a second public consultation to avoid possible appeals that would halt the project – as happened with the Felipe Ángeles international airport (AISL) at Mexico state’s Santa Lucía military base. The indigenous leaders also encouraged other groups to file more appeals against the rail line… 

The board has scheduled the start of works for the first two sections on April 30, the beginning of works on the third section on May 18 and the launch of construction for the remaining two sections on May 25…