Mexico-Querétaro passenger rail project advances amid heritage concerns

Federal authorities report that the Mexico‑Querétaro passenger rail line is about 20 % complete, with the related Mexico‑Pachuca corridor at 37 % and a target opening in 2027 announced by President Claudia Sheinbaum. Construction has begun in Celaya, backed by an investment of roughly 6 billion MXN and projected to generate 4,000 direct jobs. The Celaya phase includes a double‑track line, a tunnel, an elevated viaduct, 28 level crossings and a 1.58‑km linear urban park to offset environmental impacts.

The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) warned that the project's depressed‑track section could affect up to 28 historic structures in Querétaro’s historic centre, citing risks from vibration and excavation. INAH officials are working with the Felipe Ángeles engineering group to explore alternative alignments that protect the heritage zone.

Researchers from the Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro have presented a complementary linear‑park proposal. Their plan envisions elevated walkways and green corridors above the rail corridor, improving mobility for pedestrians and cyclists while integrating public space around the former station area.