Construction on Mexico’s $8 billion Mayan train project, which began in 2020, has struggled to lay track on the Yucatan Peninsula despite backlash from environmentalists. But now it also brings amazing archaeological finds.
At a press conference last Thursday, Diego Prieto, director of Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), revealed to the media that the first phase of the construction of the railway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum An archaeological survey conducted in Section 5 has uncovered an ancient Mayan city. More than 300 structures have been discovered in the area, some of which are over 26 feet in height.
The site will also be protected as an ecological and archaeological corridor, with many artifacts on display in the museum – including a new one reserved only for “Finds on a Mayan Train”.
The group previously shared videos of deforestation near Playa del Carmen showing the devastating environmental impact. However, railway construction was temporarily suspended while archaeological investigations began.
Officials say the train is scheduled to start operating by December 2023 at the latest.
REF: https://allthatsinteresting.com/maya-train-paamul-ii
PIC: All that’s interesting, The Archeologist, NBC News, Mexico Daily Post, Cancun Sun