Mexico - Rail operator Kansas City Southern de Mexico (KCSM) will invest US$133 million this year in new yards, track, and signaling systems, according to company president Oscar Del Cueto.
 
In an agreement with the Mexican infrastructure, communications, and transport ministry (SICT), the company has committed to investments in several projects, Del Cueto told local media at a press gathering.
 
One project that is not included in the investment plan is the US$200 million Celaya rail bypass in Guanajuato state.
 
"We will begin when we have acquired all the rights-of-way. We hope we can start construction this year, in the second quarter when all the land is secured. There are more than 500 lots to purchase and we have obtained close to 90 since we began the process, and we expect that to accelerate," said Del Cueto.
 
Celaya is a key point for KCSM as it connects Lazaro Cardenas port with the US border, and the bypass lines will help speed up transportation of goods between the countries.
 
Another key project that is also separate from the 2023 investment plan is the US$400 million Nuevo Laredo bridge between Nuevo Leon state and Texas.
 
KCSM will invest US$80 million in its construction this year, said Del Cueto.
 
He also said that parent company Kansas City Southern (KCS) is expecting approval in around two weeks from the US Surface Transportation Board (STB) to complete its US$31 billion merger with rail operator Canadian Pacific.
 
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