The Government of Mexico put into operation this Monday the final stage of the interurban train 'El Insurgente,' 12 years after the start of its construction and a total investment of 100 billion pesos (about $5.56 billion), which accumulated delays and cost overruns. The project, which began in 2014, connects the capital of the State of Mexico, Toluca (with over 2 million inhabitants in its metropolitan area), with the west of Mexico City through the mountains that separate these two cities. The train is expected to transport more than 230,000 passengers per day. With the opening of the 8.4-kilometer Section III, the train completed a total route of 57.7 kilometers, with seven stations: four in the State of Mexico (Zinacantepec, Toluca Centro, Metepec, and Lerma) and three in the capital (Santa Fe, Vasco de Quiroga, and Observatorio), according to details provided by the head of the Regulatory Agency of Railway Transport, Andrés Lajous, at a press conference. The complete journey, whose inauguration was planned for 2023, is estimated to take about 50 minutes, with a scheduled frequency of five to seven minutes between trains. The Secretary of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport (SICT), Jesús Antonio Esteva, stated that the system will operate with up to 20 trains, with a maximum capacity of 719 passengers per unit, and speeds that, in its initial phase, reach 120 kilometers per hour and, eventually, up to 160 kilometers per hour, with an average of 90 kilometers per hour. The fare for this service will be variable by distance, ranging from 15 to 100 pesos (between $0.83 and $5.56), with the Observatorio–Toluca route set at 90 pesos ($5). The immediate connectivity includes a link with Metro Line 1 at Observatorio and with Cablebús Line 3 at Vasco de Quiroga; in addition, a subsequent integration with Metro Line 12, the center and modal transfer station (Cetram) Observatorio, and the West Bus Terminal is planned. As pending issues, the authorities indicated that in the second half of 2026, a tunnel and the definitive access to the Cetram will be completed to consolidate the direct connection with the Metro, replacing current provisional schemes. The work began during the government of former President Enrique Peña Nieto (2012-2018), was resumed by his successor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador (2018-2024); and is now completed under the administration of Claudia Sheinbaum, who took office in October 2024.
