Mexico’s Mayan Train will have a staggering number of security personnel
The government of Mexico outlined its security plan for its Mayan Train project, which is set to open by the end of 2023.
The Mayan Train project is known for several eye-popping statistics from its estimated US$11.8-billion capital price tag to its 1,554-kilometer (966-mile) length. Now, its security plan can be added to those staggering numbers.
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.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
