Mexico Approves Forest Clearing for New Tren Maya Freight Depot

Mexico’s environmental ministry has authorized clearing 47 hectares (116 acres) of forest in Yucatán to build a major Maya Train / Tren Maya freight depot.

The authorization came with strict conditions and environmental safeguards, but critics say it’s another blow to the region’s fragile ecosystems.

Massive Forest Impact

The Mexican Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) approved the Tren Maya company’s request to clear forest covering an area equivalent to 6.7 times the size of El Centenario Zoological Park in Mérida. The Poxilá Cargo Distribution Center will occupy 82 hectares (202 acres) total, with 60% requiring deforestation.

The facility will span lands in both Chocholá and Poxilá municipalities, sitting 900 meters from the Mérida-Campeche federal highway. Under the permit terms, construction must be completed within 18 months.

President Claudia Sheinbaum launched construction of the Tren Maya’s freight infrastructure in April, describing it as crucial for southeastern Mexico’s economic development. “We’re giving the green light for the Maya Train to become not just a passenger train, but a freight train,” Sheinbaum said during the announcement ceremony.

Environmental Concerns Mount

The project faces significant environmental hurdles. The megaproject has cleared around 4,139 hectares (10,228 acres) of lowland and medium rainforest and 2,246 hectares (5,550 acres) of medium deciduous forest across its various sections, according to satellite analysis by CartoCrítica, a mapping organization.

The environmental impact assessment identified 35 adverse environmental impacts, including biodiversity loss, aquifer contamination risks, and disruption of wildlife corridors. The document warns that construction could affect local water tables and potentially contaminate groundwater with hydrocarbons and organic waste.

Ten protected animal species were found on the property, including the endangered black spiny-tailed iguana and threatened ocellated turkey.

Strict Conditions Imposed

Semarnat’s approval came with nine conditions, 14 terms, and numerous recommendations to mitigate environmental damage. The ministry requires the company to:

• Avoid tree removal during critical bird nesting seasons (October-November and March-May)
• Rescue and relocate endangered flora species, particularly native trees like balché and waaxim
• Implement enhanced reforestation programs covering 40-50% more area than originally proposed
• Limit well drilling to prevent saltwater intrusion into freshwater aquifers
• Maintain 30 hectares (74 acres) as permanent conservation areas

The company must also secure insurance guaranteeing compliance with environmental conditions. Failure to submit required biannual reports could terminate both environmental permits.

Economic Promises vs. Environmental Costs

Cargo operations will be fundamental to the railway’s financial success, according to Tren Maya officials. The freight service, scheduled to begin in 2026, will transport fuel, steel, cement, grains, and automobiles through the region.

The broader Tren Maya project has transported over 1.2 million passengers since opening. Officials say the freight expansion will generate 26,200 direct jobs and includes terminals in Cancún, Chetumal, and Palenque, connecting to the Interoceanic Railway.

However, environmental groups remain skeptical. “The restoration required for a project like Tren Maya is so comprehensive that reforestation is essential,” Environment Minister Alicia Bárcena acknowledged, admitting the government is exploring ways to correct environmental damage.

The Tren Maya Freight Depot in Context

The 1,554-kilometer (966-mile) Tren Maya network connects five states across Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. The project cost has ballooned from an original estimate of $7.5 billion to more than $28 billion, according to multiple reports.

UN experts have expressed concern that the project endangers indigenous peoples’ rights to land and natural resources, while court challenges continue despite most construction being completed.

The Poxilá facility represents the latest expansion of a project that has divided Mexico between those who see economic opportunity and others who view it as an environmental catastrophe. As freight operations prepare to launch, the debate over balancing development with conservation continues across southeastern Mexico.

For more on passenger experiences and ongoing challenges with the Tren Maya system, read our coverage of problems taking Tren Maya to Chichén Itzá.