Mexico’s Mayan Train will have a staggering number of security personnel

The Mexican government plans to use 6,583 security personnel from the Mexican Army, Air Force and National Guard to ensure both the infrastructure security and operational safety of the intercity train project.

They will provide security at the project’s 34 railway facilities, an administration building, yard, maintenance facility, garage, warehouses, substations and fuels storage tanks. The country’s National Guard will provide security onboard passenger trains in addition to patrolling service roads, substations and rights of way. Mexico will use five helicopters to perform surveillance and reconnaissance missions, as well as transport personnel to support the ground security operations.

The security plan also includes a Cultural Heritage Protection Battalion that will protect archaeological zones in the region near the Mayan Train, a Tourist Protection Battalion for security in the Riviera Maya region and a Security Battalion for Business Units that will provide security to hotels, parks and museums along the train’s route.

Manpower isn’t the only aspect of the plan, which also incorporates advanced technology. To ensure operational security, the government will use closed circuit television, intercom and radio communication, as well as detection beacons and technical detectors.

Additionally, the project’s tracks will be equipped with sensors that will issue alerts to 174 monitoring booths and drones will be utilized to complement the surveillance of nearby roads and facilities.