Mexico’s Tren del Norte: Saltillo-Nuevo Laredo Rail Project Details

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Introduction

Mexico’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT) has initiated construction of the Saltillo–Nuevo Laredo rail section, a 396.34-km segment of the Tren del Norte project. The construction commencement was officially flagged off by Minister Jesús Antonio Esteva Medina, alongside the Governor of Nuevo León, Samuel García Sepúlveda, and the Head of the Rail Transport Regulatory Agency (ARTF), Andrés Lajous Loaeza.

Project Overview

The Tren del Norte project will extend 1,200 km from Mexico City to Nuevo Laredo. The Saltillo–Nuevo Laredo section will incorporate main and secondary stations, terminal stations, intermediate stops, and stations in smaller towns.

Demand and Economic Impact

The estimated annual demand for the Saltillo–Nuevo Laredo section is approximately 7 million passengers. The line is intended to enhance economic and tourism links between Tamaulipas, Nuevo León, and Coahuila, facilitating travel from Saltillo to the Monterrey metropolitan area and onward to Nuevo Laredo, according to ARTF head Andrés Lajous Loaeza.

Construction Details

The Saltillo–Nuevo Laredo rail section will be divided into four sections. The first 105 km section currently under construction will connect Unión San Javier and Arroyo El Sauz. The Saltillo –Santa Catarina section (section II) has a construction and design contract awarded to a consortium of CICSA and FCC, valued at EUR 1.47 billion. This section, spanning 111 km, is scheduled for completion in 31 months (2.5 years). The third section will connect Arroyo El Sauz and Nuevo Laredo, with the final section covering rail works in the Monterrey metropolitan area.

Infrastructure and Operations

The project will primarily utilize the existing right-of-way adjacent to an operational freight line. The new passenger track will be constructed alongside this freight line. To facilitate faster trains and increase capacity, a 3 km loop will be built every 25 km. The Saltillo-Nuevo Laredo Passenger Train is part of the federal government’s plan to improve connectivity in northern Mexico, with trains designed to operate at speeds between 160 and 200 km/h.

Conclusion

The Saltillo–Nuevo Laredo rail section, part of the larger Tren del Norte project, is set to improve mobility and connectivity in northern Mexico. The project aims to connect strategic industrial hubs and is anticipated to provide employment and economic benefits, including integration with state infrastructure projects in Nuevo León.

Company Summary

Mexico’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT): The governmental body responsible for overseeing infrastructure, communications, and transportation projects in Mexico.

Rail Transport Regulatory Agency (ARTF): The regulatory agency responsible for rail transport.

CICSA: A company involved in the consortium for the construction and design contract.

FCC: A company involved in the consortium for the construction and design contract.

Tren del Norte: Is a passenger railway project.

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