Maya Train Section 5 Awaits Key Environmental Ruling

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — The construction of the controversial Maya Train project continues to face legal challenges, particularly in Section 5, which connects Playa del Carmen to Tulum. What began as an initiative to boost tourism and the economy has now become entangled in judicial uncertainty, with environmental concerns at the center of the legal battle.

Legal Dispute Over Ecological Impact

The conflict stems from an injunction filed by environmentalists and civil organizations demanding an environmental inspection in forested areas allegedly affected by the construction, including the Garra de Jaguar and Oppenheimer caverns. However, a key hearing on July 16 took an unexpected turn when the plaintiffs failed to appear before the Playa del Carmen Court of Common Jurisdiction.

What’s at Stake in Section 5?

The Garra de Jaguar and Oppenheimer caverns are subterranean formations of high ecological and cultural value. Opponents argue that their integrity is threatened by the construction of Section 5, which cuts through dense jungle, caves, and underground rivers. However, they have yet to provide technical evidence proving the alleged environmental damage.

SEMARNAT: "No Proven Environmental Impact"

Luis Antonio Velázquez Solórzano, Deputy Director of Administrative Litigation at SEMARNAT (Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources), maintains that there is no evidence of environmental harm in the area. "The court denied the suspension of Section 5 because the environmental authority already evaluated the project and issued the corresponding permits," he stated.

He further confirmed that SEMARNAT has complied with all judicial requirements, including environmental impact studies and technical documentation. The agency has submitted all requested materials to the District Court and the Mérida Collegiate Court, which is reviewing injunctions filed since 2021.

Judicial Delays and Vacation Periods

The plaintiffs’ absence, combined with a court recess for judicial vacations, has stalled proceedings until August. The delay leaves both the federal government and opposition groups in limbo.

Velázquez denied accusations that SEMARNAT is employing delaying tactics, as some organizations have claimed. Instead, he argued that the plaintiffs have filed multiple lawsuits, extending what could have been a one-year legal process into a nearly five-year dispute.

Maya Train: An Ambitious Project Under Environmental Scrutiny

Since its announcement, the Maya Train has been a flagship federal project—and one of the most scrutinized. While some sections have progressed, others, like Section 5, remain mired in legal battles over ecological concerns.

The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how future infrastructure projects in environmentally sensitive areas are managed.

Environmental and Legal Uncertainty

As legal and environmental tensions persist, the fate of Section 5 rests with the judiciary. The case highlights the ongoing conflict between economic development and environmental preservation.

With each hearing, document submission, and procedural delay—such as the July 16 no-show—this dispute continues to unfold, drawing national and international attention.