The Interoceanic Railway has faced serious operational challenges. In two years of operation, it only managed to attract 13 freight clients.
Furthermore, over 12 billion pesos were spent on Line Z, but the service moves very little cargo compared to other private companies.
- Freight Transport Data
- Low number of clients: Only 13 companies contracted the service in two years.
- Low cargo volume: It transported one million tons compared to the 60 million tons moved by Ferromex in a single year (2025).
- High cost: The investment in Line Z exceeded 12 billion pesos.
For more details on the drop in passenger numbers and the overall situation of the project, see the following investigative video from LatinUS:
Besides, the Tren Interoceánico has recorded major accidents, including fatal passenger derailments, cargo derailments, and weather-related track blockages. The primary incidents involve the December 2025 passenger derailment, the July 2026 cargo derailment, and recurring minor operational hazards.
Major Derailments
July 14–15, 2026 (Asunción Ixtaltepec, Oaxaca): A freight train composed of two articulated units derailed at practically the same hazardous segment (kilometer 230+800) near Nissanda. Operated under the Secretaría de Marina, the incident caused zero injuries or civilian population impacts, though it triggered safety protocols and renewed scrutiny over the track’s safety
December 28, 2025 (Nissanda, Oaxaca): A passenger train carrying 241 passengers and 9 crew members derailed on Line Z near the community of Nissanda (kilometer 230+800), causing wagons to fall from a height. The tragedy resulted in 14 fatalities and nearly 100 injured passengers. Investigations and reports pointed to excessive speed and track complexity in the curves, leading to criminal cases against operators that were later resolved via compensatory agreements.
Source: LatinUS
