“The project of the Maya Train in Yucatan kicks off on December 16. It will begin with a Maya ceremonies, consultations with native indigenous people and the launching of investment bonds, accessible to ejidatarios”. The announcement was made by Aarón Rosado Castillo, responsible for the Yucatan section of the project.
Rosado Castillo participated in a forum with UADY academics, where he gave details about the incoming government project.
The event was attended by college professors and scientists from universities, technological and research centers in Campeche, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, Tabasco and Yucatán. It was carried out in the facilities of the School of Psychology of the UADY.
The future officers Luciano Concheiro Bórquez, next undersecretary of Higher Education of the SEP; Javier Velázquez Moctezuma, scientific coordinator of the Tren Maya project; and Aarón Rosado Castillo, coordinator of the Yucatan section of the Maya Train, informed of the preparations for the project. They said that the consultations will be conducted among: indigenous people of the region, academics and local businessmen, whose opinions will be taken in consideration “from the first day of the project”.
“The train’s route has been decided, and since it is a project of enormous magnitude, many aspects must be resolved” said Jaime Velázquez, who coordinated the meeting.
“There are very difficult challenges, so we have to solve them promptly. That is why we are here to invite the academic and scientific community to make this project their own and contribute with ideas and solutions “, Velazquez continued.
Creation of Councils
The proposal of the academics was the creation of Councils that are involved in everything related to the construction of the Maya Train. This, so that there is a vigilance of respect for the environment, the water sources, the jungle.
The Mayan Train drivers are already assigned to the 7 coordinators of each section of the route. Aarón Rosado Castillo is the representative for Yucatan, and he revealed that, the initial construction works will be carried out in the section between Yucatan and Campeche.
On December 16, the activities of this project begin with Maya ceremonies to bless the project, according to the Maya culture of each region. Consultations will be carried out in these communities as well, according to a calendar that is being prepared.
The work plan includes Tabasco, Campeche and Yucatan, which is the first stage of the project. After Mérida it would continue to Valladolid and from there to Cancún, Quintana Roo. Until now, the construction of railway stations in Mérida, Izamal and Valladolid is planned, but there are other proposals that are under evaluation, such as Uxmal and Progreso.
Cargo and passengers
It was explained that the train will be transporting cargo and passengers, and it is planned to travel at an average speed of 140 to 150 kmph (approx. 90 miles per hour). This will revolutionize the railroad that exists in the peninsula because today the average speed is 40 kmph. Therefore, it will be necessary to make all the adjustments on the railway tracks so that the train can move at a higher speed.
Consultations
Luciano Concheiro denied that AMLO is using the consultations to evade his responsibility as president.
He said that indigenous peoples will be consulted and their voice will be heard, but he has full confidence that they will accept it. López Obrador said emphatically that the Maya Train project will proceed.
The forum on the Mayan Train brought together the main authorities of the UADY.
TYT Newsroom with information yucatan.com.mx
