**Government Launches ‘Bachetón’ Initiative to Repair Federal Highways**
The Mexican government is set to roll out a nationwide initiative called ‘Bachetón’ from November 2024 to February 2025, aiming to improve the federal highway network spanning over 44,000 kilometers. Jesús Antonio Esteva Medina, head of the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport (SICT), made this announcement on October 10, 2024.
During a morning press conference held at the National Palace, Esteva Medina revealed that the project would involve an investment of 4 billion pesos. In its first phase, the plan will also address the damage caused by the construction of the Tren Maya in the southeastern part of the country. “The initiative will reach all 32 states. The investment is 4 billion pesos, and our goal is to cover 44,600 kilometers. The southeastern areas affected by the Tren Maya construction will receive support from the Secretaría de la Defensa (SEDENA),” he stated.
Esteva Medina emphasized the importance of routine maintenance, which includes filling potholes, leveling surfaces, and cleaning gutters to prevent further damage to the highway structures. The project will operate 134 simultaneous work fronts and is expected to create 8,500 jobs. Moreover, he highlighted a more thorough periodic maintenance phase, which will create an additional 2,750 jobs.
This exhaustive phase, covering around 700 kilometers, will involve milling and laying asphalt, with 28 simultaneous work fronts starting in December and concluding by April 2025. The program is modeled after a successful initiative previously deployed in Mexico City to repair potholes, according to Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, who expressed that the need for such a program was underscored by public surveys indicating potholes as a major concern for citizens.
The Federal Government is focusing on federal highway repairs while municipalities and states handle their respective roads. Sheinbaum Pardo mentioned, “We already put out the bids and fortunately, President López Obrador left us with very healthy finances, allowing us to utilize these 4 billion pesos for the ‘Bachetón’ program.” She also announced an additional enhancement phase for federal roads set to start in December 2024.
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**Secondary Article: Recent Developments in Mexico’s Infrastructure Projects**
Recent developments in Mexico’s infrastructure focus on comprehensive overhauls that are reshaping the country’s connectivity landscape. Emerging alongside the ‘Bachetón’ initiative, there have been significant efforts to boost other major projects like the Mexico City-Toluca Train and the Dos Bocas refinery. Recent governmental reports highlight a strategic push to complete these projects by the end of the current administration, marking a pivotal moment for the national infrastructure sector.
The Mexico City-Toluca Train faced delays due to technical and budgetary challenges, yet recent investments have propelled the final stages of its construction. This project aims to reduce commute times and vehicular traffic between the capital and Toluca, promising economic and social benefits for the region.
Meanwhile, the Dos Bocas refinery reached an operational milestone, reflected in its production capacity increase aimed at reducing Mexico’s fuel import dependency. This project, despite previous controversies, showcases the government’s commitment to achieving energy sovereignty and providing a boost to the local economy.
As these ventures continue to unfold, Mexico stands on the brink of vast infrastructural transformation, aligning with broader national goals of economic growth and improved public welfare.