How ARCA powered the overhead electrification of the Maya Train in Mexico

16 May 2025
  • Projects
Tren Maya Project ARCA

How do you electrify a train that spans more than 1,554 km, connecting diverse regions of Mexico? The Maya Train is not just one of the country’s most ambitious railway projects, it is also a cornerstone of its modernization and sustainable development.  To bring it to life, efficient and reliable electrification solutions were essential. That’s where ARCA came in, supplying a comprehensive range of components for overhead catenary systems, an essential factor in the project’s success.

 

The Maya Train: A Project That Transformed Southeastern Mexico

More than just a railway, the Maya Train has been an effort to improve transportation infrastructure in southeastern Mexico, a historically underserved region. It connected five states — Chiapas, Campeche, Tabasco, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo — boosting local economies and creating thousands of jobs. Its purpose: to shorten travel times, connect communities, and offer a modern mobility alternative that brings people and new opportunities closer together.

ARCA’s Role: More Than Just a Supplier

Thanks to our expertise in manufacturing overhead railway line materials and the quality of our solutions, Mexican companies placed their trust in us from the very beginning. ARCA’s participation took shape through the supply of part of sections 3 and 5 South, and the entirety of sections 5 North and 6, covering key areas of this major infrastructure

The challenge was immense, but at ARCA, we never back down. This wasn’t just an opportunity to meet a client’s needs, it was a step forward in strengthening our international reputation. We knew this project required more than simply delivering components; it demanded a comprehensive vision and the ability to meet complex logistical, production, and technical challenges.

Our experience allowed us not only to meet the client’s stringent technical requirements but also to strike the perfect balance between quality and cost. At every stage, we focused on adding value, optimizing resources, and ensuring the project’s success in all aspects.

Illustration of the Maya Train crossing southeastern Mexico with a route map showing key states and stations, supported by ARCA Catenaria’s overhead electrification systems.

Challenges and Achievements in the Project

The scale of the Maya Train was remarkable: one of the largest railway projects in Latin America. With no room for error and tight deadlines, this was not just a technical challenge for ARCA but also a massive logistical race.

The Mexican Army, responsible for installation, required a steady and efficient supply of materials. Our approach was clear: optimize every process, from production to resource management, ensuring on-time delivery without compromising quality.

This wasn’t just about manufacturing, it was about making sure every component arrived exactly when and where it was needed, in perfect condition. The key to success lay in our agility and a robust operation that kept the project moving forward seamlessly. All of this was done in coordination with SEDENA – Mexico’s Secretariat of National Defense – which carried out the installation on a tight schedule and with flawless execution.

Despite demanding deadlines, the ARCA team not only met but exceeded expectations. Flexibility, quick decision-making, and seamless coordination with installers allowed us to deliver high-quality, reliable materials precisely on time.

This project not only reaffirmed our technical expertise but also underscored what truly sets us apart: our ability to anticipate challenges, adapt quickly, and transform complexity into efficient, reliable solutions.

 

Why Has the Maya Train Been Important for ARCA?

The Maya Train is more than just infrastructure; it is a link between communities, history and development. Its impact has brought both opportunities and challenges, and its evolution will continue to be key to balancing progress and sustainability.

It has been an honor for ARCA to be part of this project. Not only have we learned, but we have also grown as a company. Beyond the technical achievements, we are proud to have contributed with efficient and responsible solutions to a project that will have a lasting impact on Mexico and future generations.

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