65 Properties Seized for Tren Maya in Yucatán Peninsula

Quintana Roo, Mexico — A total of 65 privately owned properties have been expropriated across multiple municipalities in the Yucatán Peninsula for infrastructure related to the Tren Maya project. While the rail system is already operational, construction continues on stations, and work has begun on freight-related sections.

Details of the Expropriations

The expropriated land spans 66 hectares across five states where the federal rail project passes, primarily in the Yucatán Peninsula. According to the Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF), the expropriations were declared for public utility purposes, initiating the occupation of these properties. Some were already in use for the railway project, while others required formal transfer from private to public ownership for complementary works.

The breakdown of expropriated properties by state is as follows:

• Campeche: 29 properties (primarily along Tramos 2 and 3)
• Yucatán: 32 properties
• Quintana Roo: 4 properties (specifically in Playa del Carmen)
• Chiapas: 2 properties
• Tabasco: 3 properties

The expropriation process is led by the Presidency of the Republic through two key federal agencies: the Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional (Sedena) and the Secretaría de Desarrollo Agrario, Territorial y Urbano (Sedatu).

Compensation and Legal Provisions

The DOF does not specify compensation amounts for landowners, though previous federal payments ranged from 200 to 500 pesos per square meter. The decree states:

"If the properties subject to this decree are not used for the intended public works within five years, affected parties may take legal action within a two-year period from the date the claim becomes enforceable."

Affected Municipalities

Campeche

• Champotón
• Tenabo
• Campeche
• Hecelchakán
• Calkiní
• Escárcega
• Calakmul

Yucatán

• Tixpéhual
• Chocholá
• Izamal
• Tixkokob
• Maxcanú
• Mérida
• Uayma
• Umán

Quintana Roo

• Playa del Carmen

The Tren Maya project remains a key infrastructure initiative, with ongoing construction and land acquisitions to support both passenger and freight operations.