Experts Urge Mexican Government to Acknowledge ‘Historic Error’ of Maya Train Project

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Experts, activists, and academics have issued sharp criticism of the Maya Train project, calling on the Mexican government to recognize what they describe as a “historic error” that has devastated communities and ecosystems in the country’s southeast.

The critiques emerged during the International Seminar “The Maya Train,” organized by the Academic Body of Multidisciplinary Studies in Human Rights and Public Security at the University of Quintana Roo. The event, held in Chetumal and streamed online, brought together specialists who argued the project has produced effects opposite to its promised benefits.

Environmental economist and sociologist Enrique Leff Zimmerman stated the Mexican state should acknowledge promoting a development model that has led to the destruction of communities and natural environments since 2019. He contended the project has been implemented through imposition, harming local populations rather than delivering sustainable transformation.

Participants noted that over 300 academics and researchers signed a letter at the start of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s administration warning of potential environmental damage from the train, but their concerns went unaddressed. They also denounced deficient consultation processes and alleged pressure tactics against communities.

Sara Cuervo, a researcher featured in a testimonial capsule by JaltúnMX, reported increased violence and growing social discontent in various areas, questioning who truly benefits from the development associated with the project.

Environmental activist José Urbina, known as “Pepe Tiburón,” warned of accelerated devastation in the Maya jungle, including water contamination and expanding real estate developments. He highlighted the opening of roads in sensitive areas like the Sac Actún cave system, which could worsen environmental degradation.

Activist Sara López called for continued defense of the territory, emphasizing that this struggle will fall to new generations.

According to official reports as of April 2026, the Maya Train faces daily operational losses nearing 9.9 million pesos, accumulating an annual deficit exceeding 3.649 billion pesos despite government subsidies.

Experts agreed on the need for broader debate about Mexico’s development model, with some suggesting the project should be halted given the documented impacts.