China Railway Construction Corporation-led consortium has been awarded the contract for the high-speed passenger rail link between Mexico City and the central city of Queretaro, the Mexican Transport and Communications Ministry (SCT) said on Monday.

The consortium formed of China Railway Construction Corporation, China Railway Construction Corporation International, CSR Corporation Limited (China) and Constructora y Edificadora GIA, Prodemex, GHP Infraestructura Mexicana y Constructora TEYA (Mexic0)  was the only bidder for the 210-km line, the first of its kind in Latin America. 

SCT informed that the project would cost 50.82 billion pesos (USD 3.74 billion), including the build cost and five years of operation. The Export-Import Bank of China (EximBank) will finance 85% of the project’s costs.

The French company Systra will also be involved in the operational stage of the project.

SCT estimated that during its first year of operation the 300 km/h high - speed train will transport 27,000 passengers daily.

In addition, SCT informed that the tender for Transpeninsular Train project will be launched early next year, as well as the tender for two new Metro lines, Chalco-La Paz and Ecatepec-Supply Center.