Mexico's Maya Train underway, despite environmental concerns

Mexico's Mayan tourist train sets off on its first run between the colonial city of Campeche and the Caribbean resort of Cancun.

This flagship project of Mexican President Obrador promises prosperity to one of the country's poorest regions, but it is tainted by accusations of environmental devastation on Friday.

The stretch of rail inaugurated on Friday is the first of seven sections that will cover a total of 1,554 kilometers around the Yucatan Peninsula, an area rich in flora, fauna and archaeological ruins.

The others will be operational in the first quarter of 2024. Greenpeace and other NGOs have warned that the train threatens to contaminate the natural underground reservoirs and underground rivers in particular.

They also pointed out that the danger of the ground collapsing due to the weight of the structure, in addition to affecting flora and fauna. The Mexican president has called the protesters and has defended the work, promising to plant millions of trees in the area.