The Truth About the Tren Maya’s New Route to Progreso
Construction on the Mérida-Progreso highway has led some media outlets to speculate that the recently announced Tren Maya connection to the port city will follow a path directly from Mérida. However, the announced route is set to cut roughly through 30 miles (50 kilometers) from the outskirts of the largely industrial city of Uman to Progreso.
Part of the confusion stems from the fact that trains will depart or at least pass through Mérida’s Teya station on the city’s outskirts. The Progreso link is primarily designed for cargo, though future passenger service remains possible as demand evolves.
The new viaduct and large overpass, the object of much of this road work, aim to ease traffic created by increasing cargo freight to and from the port city.
Progreso’s role as a trade hub
Progreso has long been Yucatán’s most important maritime gateway, handling a significant portion of the region’s imports and exports. According to data from the Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR), the port’s deep-water capabilities make it ideal for receiving large vessels, particularly in the automotive, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors. The Tren Maya’s cargo extension will directly connect Progreso to inland industrial and commercial centers, such as Mérida and the broader Maya Train network, streamlining the movement of goods across the peninsula.
The Mexican federal government, in collaboration with the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT), has emphasized that this rail link will reduce truck dependency on highways, cutting transportation costs and lowering carbon emissions. Economic analysts at the Mexican Institute for Transportation (IMT) project that the improved logistics chain could attract new investment to Progreso’s port facilities, further consolidating its position in regional trade.
The initial projected cost for the Uman-Progreso route has been reported to be 25 billion pesos, or roughly USD 1.3 billion. However, to date, all Tren Maya routes and other large-scale construction projects undertaken since 2018 have run well over budget.
Progreso is already home to the world’s largest pier and the most important maritime hub on the Yucatán Peninsula. But the port city, which also doubles as Yucatán state’s most popular beach, has its eye on even loftier ambitions.
Potential for future passenger service
While the current focus is on freight, officials have not ruled out adapting the Progreso line for passenger use in the future. Thanks to its beaches and seafood culture, Progreso is already a popular destination for cruise ships and weekend travelers from Mérida.
If passenger service is introduced, it could significantly boost tourism by linking the port city more efficiently to major Tren Maya stops like Chichén Itzá and Cancún. However, as of now, no official plans have been announced, and any such expansion would depend on feasibility studies and demand.
Challenges and considerations
The cargo rail extension has faced scrutiny from environmental and community groups. Researchers from the Yucatán Scientific Research Center (CICY) have called for careful assessment of the project’s impact on coastal ecosystems, particularly in sensitive mangrove areas near Progreso. Additionally, local business owners have expressed mixed reactions—while many welcome the economic benefits, others worry about disruptions during construction and potential shifts in the logistics industry.
Federal authorities have assured that environmental safeguards and community engagement are priorities. The Maya Train project’s general director, General Óscar Lozano Águila, has stated that mitigation measures, including wildlife crossings and noise reduction strategies, are being implemented to address concerns.
However, given the Tren Maya’s rail network track record of not delivering on environmental assurances in favor of expediency, environmental activists in the region remain concerned.
Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a journalist, photographer and adventure leader. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada, and Norway.
