Railways

The execution of these projects is the responsibility of the operators and developers awarded through bids managed through CompraNet. Once awarded, the SICT supervises the correct implementation and operation to ensure compliance with contractual terms.

For its part, the Rail Transport Regulatory Agency (ARTF), created in 2016, regulates and supervises the construction, operation and conservation of rail infrastructure, as well as auxiliary services, promoting safety and efficiency in the national rail system.

According to ARTF, rail connectivity at ports is a key factor for the development of intermodal corridors in the country. Currently, 69% of the ports managed by federal Administrations of the National Port System (ASIPONAS) have rail connection. However, there are challenges to improve the integration of these corridors, especially through last mile connection projects, shortening and rehabilitation of railroad tracks.[1]

The Mexican Railway System has an extension of 26,914 km, divided into 20,825 km of trunk and branch lines, 4,533 km of secondary tracks, and 1,555 km of private tracks connected to the trunk lines. Of this total, 17,642 km have been concessioned to the private sector for operation.[2].

In terms of international connectivity, the Mexican rail system is linked to the United States network and to the southern border with Guatemala and Belize, with the aim of facilitating integration with global markets and strengthening Mexico’s competitiveness as a key logistical node in the region.

Freight Transportation

The Public Rail Freight Transportation Service reached an all-time record by mobilizing 131.48 million tons, representing an increase of 2.35% compared to 2022.

The main products transported were industrial (48.54%), agricultural (26.73%) and oil and its derivatives (12.18%). Likewise, 92, 132 billion ton-kilometers were recorded in 2023,an increase of 5.81% compared to the previous year.

Passenger Transportation

The Public Rail Passenger Transportation Service mobilized 45.84 million passengers and a total of 1,014.88 million passenger-kilometers. Compared to 2022, there was an increase of 11.78% in the number of passengers transported and 23.39% in passenger-kilometers.

Railway safety

During 2023, 1,254 incidents related to operational safety were reported, representing a reduction of 2.94%, while in terms of public safety, 13,916 incidents of theft and vandalism were recorded, reflecting a decrease of 13.04% compared to the previous year.

Railway equipment

The operable car fleet, consisting of 1,209 locomotives and 30,369 operable cars, increased by 0.92% and 0.71%, respectively, compared to 2022. The 72.11% of the hauling fleet consisted of gondolas (31.93%), hoppers (23.92%) and boxcars (16.27%). On the other hand, active personnel in 2023 grew by 4.28%, from 15,087 to 15,733 employees.

Energy consumption

Suburban energy consumption reached 34.26 million kilowatt-hours (KWh), representing an increase of 1.15% compared to the previous year. In freight transportation, diesel consumption reached 688.84 million liters, experiencing a 6.15% growth compared to 2022.

Railway economic information

Concessionaires and assignees generated, in 2023, total revenues from rail freight transportation services of $81,979.8 million pesos and total operating costs reached $47,612.5 million pesos.

Foreign Trade

In 2023, a total volume of 22.9 million net tons of exports was recorded, reflecting a decrease of 6.7% with respect to the previous year. On the other hand, imports reached 71.1 million net tons, showing an increase of 4.7%. At the national level, merchandise trade totaled 37.5 million net tons, with a growth of 4.0%. Of the total foreign trade cargo, 73.26% was transported across borders, while the remaining 26.74% was transported through ports.