Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo. The Mexican government published a decree in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) expropriating 20.0588 hectares of the Chunyaxché and Annexes ejido for the construction of the Maya Freight Train, a project undertaken by Tren Maya, S.A. de C.V.
The official text states that the railway company must prove it made the corresponding payment or, if applicable, cover the legally required compensation amount from its authorized budget, as determined by the appraisal of the Institute for Administration and Appraisal of National Assets (INDAABIN), in accordance with the Expropriation Law. (Decree published in DOF)
According to the decree, the expropriation is considered to be in the public interest, and the land will be incorporated into the project’s assets for the installation of infrastructure related to railway operations. (DOF)
Expropriation History in Chunyaxché
According to local media reports, this would be the third expropriation suffered by the Chunyaxché ejido in the context of the Maya Train project:
- July 10, 2023: The expropriation of 1,521.1069 hectares was decreed for the construction of Section 6 of the Maya Train. (Media)
- September 11, 2023: 254.2780 hectares were removed from the ejido for the Tulum International Airport. (Media)
- February 6, 2026: The expropriation of 20.0588 hectares appears in the most recent decree. (DOF)
Note: The classification of “first, second, and third expropriation” comes from regional media outlets that cover the issue from the perspective of the ejido members. The decrees published in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) number each expropriated area in accordance with legal procedures.
Protests and Claims by Ejido Members
During 2024, ejido members from Chunyaxché blocked sections of the construction site and the Tulum–Felipe Carrillo Puerto highway, denouncing non-payment for the ceded lands and the use of material banks without prior agreements. The protests were part of a series of mobilizations linked to disputes with the Federal Government over the lack of payment and the demand for compliance with agreements. (Local press reports)
Obligations of Tren Maya, S.A. de C.V.
With the decree taking effect on February 6, Tren Maya, S.A. de C.V. assumes legal possession of the expropriated lands, as well as the obligation to provide proof of payment to the ejido members, in accordance with current legislation and the appraisals carried out by federal agencies. (DOF)
With information from Caribe Peninsular
Source: conexioncaribe
