Chinese rail giant CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd. has taken critical steps toward significantly modernizing Mexico’s urban transportation infrastructure. The company has completed a major renovation of Mexico City’s Metro Line 1 and added modern trains to Monterrey’s light rail system. These projects are a key part of Mexico’s vision to increase urban mobility and meet future transportation needs.
Mexico City Metro Line 1 Gets a Rebirth
On April 23, 2025, the 1-kilometer Cuauhtémoc-Chapultepec section of Metro Line 18,83, one of the busiest metro lines in the heart of Mexico City, was reopened following extensive modernization work by CRRC Zhuzhou. Serving approximately 243 million passengers annually and featuring 20 stations, this vital line is the capital’s public transport backbone.
Launched in 2020, this major modernization project is CRRC Zhuzhou’s first overseas “system+” initiative, which includes investment, financing, next-generation vehicle production, and comprehensive upgrade of existing systems. This approach shows that CRRC is playing an active role in all phases of the project, going beyond being just a vehicle supplier.
As part of the project, 2.252 energy-efficient NM-80 trains with nine cars, each with a capacity of 29 passengers and a maximum speed of 22 km/h, were put into service. Designed with rubber tires, these modern trains adapt to the unique geography of Mexico City while significantly reducing noise levels and energy consumption. The improvements were not limited to new trains. Existing lines, power systems and communication-based train control (CBTC) systems were also modernized, significantly increasing service reliability and carrying capacity.
Mexico City Metro Mass Transit System Director Guillermo Calderón, while providing information on the progress of the project, emphasized that 20 out of 17 stations are currently operational and a total of 19 stations have been completed. Calderón stated that the renewed line now has a completely new infrastructure and offers passengers a much more comfortable, safe and efficient travel experience.
MM-25 Reinforcement for Monterrey Light Rail System
CRRC Zhuzhou’s contributions in Mexico are not limited to the capital. On April 22, 2025, the company put the first three MM-1 light rail trains into service on Line 25 of the Light Rail System in Monterrey, one of the country’s major industrial hubs. Designed with urban efficiency in mind, these modern trains have the potential to significantly increase the carrying capacity and service quality of the light rail system in Monterrey.
The commissioning of the MM-25 trains is an important part of a broader initiative to modernize Monterrey’s transportation system and ensure an efficient urban transportation network for the duration of the event, as the city will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This investment will contribute to the city’s transportation infrastructure reaching world standards while hosting an international event.
Local Production and Technology Transfer
CRRC Zhuzhou’s presence in Mexico is not limited to train production and modernization projects. The company also contributes significantly to the country’s economy and employment through a local factory it established in Mexico City. Established in collaboration with more than 100 local suppliers, this factory has produced 15 train cars to date. This initiative has created direct employment opportunities for approximately 1.500 people, while nearly 300 Mexican technicians have received advanced training, supporting local employment and technology transfer. CRRC’s approach goes beyond being just a supplier and contributes to Mexico’s long-term development goals.
As a result, CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd. is reshaping urban mobility across Mexico by combining advanced engineering solutions with long-term operational support. The company’s growing presence in Latin America represents a significant shift in approaches to transit modernization, emphasizing its emphasis on integrated partnerships and technological advancement. These CRRC projects mark the beginning of a promising era for the future of urban transportation in Mexico.
