The installation of the La Corregidora express stop on the Mexico City-Querétaro-Irapuato train line, in the area of the former rail freight yard, could require the federal government to expand the area, including land and buildings facing the tracks, some of which might need to be acquired or relocated.
Sergio Olvera, spokesperson for the Querétaro Citizen Observatory for Mobility, explained that the current ownership of the properties near the station is unclear, although, he noted, they are generally federal property since it falls under federal jurisdiction.
“I don’t know if those spaces need to be purchased or if they belong to someone, because those houses, years ago—I don’t know their current status—belonged to workers. They had building permits, but they wouldn’t own the properties, although I don’t know now. Since the railway line is under federal jurisdiction, they should be the owners, although we would have to investigate who owns those properties.”
Olvera explained that expanding the area could involve purchasing or expropriating land, and even nationalizing it, to ensure that current residents are not displaced. This is due to the size of the planned station and the narrow area where it is located.
He indicated that other similar projects have developed social housing solutions with commercial spaces on the ground floor and apartments on the upper floors.
However, he clarified that proposals must be accompanied by citizen participation so that residents can contribute ideas for better site planning. He noted that expanding the old station area is a common occurrence with projects of this scale.
“And buying and expanding is always an option, and even expropriating or nationalizing it—I don’t know the legal framework, whether it’s public or otherwise—but if these are places to live, then giving people a space there, if necessary, so they aren’t displaced by construction, which is actually happening in these areas where housing options have expanded.”
Regarding the location, he indicated that the station should be located in the city center so that passengers can walk or use public transportation to reach the main square in about 10 or 15 minutes. This location will allow mobility to prioritize these two alternatives over car use.
Olvera emphasized that the new station is part of a 21st-century mobility model, in which car use is the last resort. He noted that although the downtown streets are narrow and there is no parking in some areas, the priority will be to promote active mobility, reorganize the area, and pedestrianize strategic zones.
Furthermore, he stated that social impacts must be considered, such as preventing the displacement of long-time residents and ensuring that the benefits reach the community.
Regarding the Los Alcanfores project and the proposed multimodal station 500 meters away, Olvera indicated that the alternatives should be evaluated taking into account the experience of the residents and the terrain conditions.
He considered community participation and public outreach regarding the project to be key to ensuring that the transformation is functional, connected, and sustainable, and that downtown Querétaro remains the most accessible point for train users.
Source: oem
