International Tender for the Querétaro–San Miguel de Allende Section of the Querétaro–Saltillo Passenger Train Draws Strong Interest
The international public tender for the design and construction of the 68-kilometer Querétaro–San Miguel de Allende subsection of the Querétaro–Saltillo passenger train has attracted interest from at least 17 companies, requiring adjustments to the project schedule.
The project includes the construction of viaducts, stations, tunnels, bridges, railway underpasses, railway overpasses, and pedestrian bridges.
Tender Schedule Adjusted
During the first clarification meeting, the Agency for Trains and Integrated Public Transportation (ATTRAPI) received 340 questions, which, as of Wednesday, had not yet been answered. The second clarification meeting was originally scheduled for July 27, with the submission of technical and financial proposals planned for August 24.
The start of construction had been scheduled for September 24, with a completion period of 851 calendar days.
Because this schedule can no longer be met, the agency, led by Andrés Lajous, announced:
“At the conclusion of this first clarification meeting (tentatively scheduled for July 22), the date for the second and final clarification meeting will be announced.”
Companies Interested in the Project
Among the companies participating in the process are:
- ICA Constructora (which has submitted the largest number of questions so far: 150)
- Mota Engil México
- Idinsa
- Aldesa
- Calzada Construcciones
- Omega Construcciones Industriales
- VISE
- Daniferrotools
- China Railway International Group
- Comsa Infraestructuras
- Constructora de Proyectos Viales de México
To accelerate the process, the agency published the draft tender documents at the end of June and received 11 comments. None of them mentioned that the activity schedule was too compressed, even though, for example, the site visit took place on July 14, followed by the first clarification meeting the very next day.
When announcing the new package of tenders, Andrés Lajous stated:
“The procurement process for the remaining railway sections will be carried out in stages, allowing for better coordination in terms of project design and construction supervision.”
He noted that the section passing through San Miguel de Allende is the first to enter the bidding process.
Construction Will Proceed Without Delays
As with other railway sections, it was specified that the winning bidder will be responsible for preparing the final executive project and carrying out all the work required to construct the medium-speed railway section.
Construction will follow a continuous management model, allowing work to begin in phases as each section of the design is completed, rather than waiting for the entire project to be finalized.
San Miguel de Allende Station
The project includes the construction of the San Miguel de Allende Station, which is classified as a medium-demand station. It will feature larger facilities designed to accommodate moderate passenger volumes, including waiting areas and complementary services.
The station’s location was selected to strengthen regional rail connectivity, encourage investment in the commercial, industrial, and social sectors, reduce travel times, and help mitigate pollutant emissions.
Source: eleconomista
