Growth and the Environment - The True Cost Of Mexico's Maya Train

This Insider Business clip looks at the trade-off between economic growth and Mexico's infrastructure and culture.

The government is committed to developing a new train line on the Yucatán Peninsula, connecting tourist resorts with famous Maya sites. But what is the environmental and cultural cost? And to what extent is the building of the trainline justified?

Mexico's Maya Train, also known as Tren Maya, is a railway project that aims to connect tourist destinations and archaeological sites in the southeastern region of Mexico, particularly in the states of Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatan, and Quintana Roo. The project was proposed by the current Mexican President, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, and it is expected to have a length of around 1,500 kilometers.

The project involves the construction of a new railway, as well as the renovation and modernization of existing tracks. The train is designed to transport both tourists and locals and will have stops at various destinations along the route, including archaeological sites such as Chichen Itza and Palenque, as well as popular tourist destinations like Cancun and Tulum.

The project has generated controversy, with some environmentalists and indigenous groups expressing concern about its potential impact on the environment and the communities living along the route. The Mexican government has stated that it is taking measures to minimize the project's impact and to ensure that local communities benefit from the development.