MEXICO CITY (AP) - Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador officially inaugurated a 290-mile (473-kilometer) stretch of the highly debated Maya Train project on Friday. The ambitious tourist train, with a projected cost of $20 billion, aims to connect beach resorts and archaeological sites along the Yucatan peninsula.

The newly opened section between the Gulf coast city of Campeche and the Caribbean coast resort of Cancun marks about one-third of the entire project. President López Obrador expressed optimism that the full line would be completed by the end of February, despite visible signs of unfinished earthworks and the existence of just a single lane on the planned double-lane track.

The journey from Campeche to Cancun on the Maya Train is estimated to take approximately 5 1/2 hours, with an average speed of 50 miles per hour (80 kph). However, officials have assured that the train has the capacity to reach speeds of up to 75 mph (120 kph).

The train service will consist of two trains per day, running in both directions. The route includes stops in the historic city of Merida, the renowned Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, and around ten other towns. Previous plans initially suggested separate lower fares for Mexican passengers and higher fares for foreign tourists. However, the ticket prices listed for the inaugural runs only differentiated between first-class and "tourist class" tickets.

First-class tickets for the Cancun to Merida route are priced at approximately $68, whereas a first-class bus ticket for the same journey costs about $58. Notably, the initial train cars on the first day were reserved for officials, dignitaries, and the press.

President López Obrador hailed the Maya Train project as an unprecedented venture that will eventually connect Cancun with popular beach towns like Playa del Carmen and Tulum, as well as Mayan ruins at Calakmul and Palenque. He emphasized its rapid completion as a testament to its record-setting nature.

However, the Maya Train has faced significant opposition from environmentalists, cave divers, and archaeologists. The construction of the remaining two-thirds of the train line, particularly through sensitive and relic-filled cave systems, has drawn objections. Critics argue that the development has tremendous implications for the region's extensive network of caves, including those housing some of the oldest human remains in North America.

While officials promote the Maya Train as a means of transport for locals, its primary source of revenue is expected to be tourism. However, due to the frequent stops, complex route, and a lack of feasibility studies, it remains uncertain how many tourists will be inclined to purchase tickets.

Opponents of the project, including the coalition SELVAME, argue that the train does not effectively benefit local residents in terms of commuting to work or school and criticize its high cost. Concerns have also been raised about the impact on the natural environment, with claims that the train will disrupt cenotes (sinkhole lakes) and underground rivers without proper studies.

President López Obrador has faced criticism for fast-tracking the Maya Train project by exempting it from regular permitting, public reporting, and environmental impact assessments, citing reasons of national security. In November 2021, a decree was issued requiring automatic approval for public works projects deemed "in the national interest" or linked to national security.

Notably, the Mexican army played a significant role in the construction of the train, and it will be managed by the armed forces, as President López Obrador has entrusted them with numerous projects during his presidency.

With his enthusiasm for trains, the armed forces, and state-owned companies, President López Obrador recently declared that private rail companies primarily engaged in freight transportation must provide passenger services or allow the government to schedule its own trains on their tracks. This decision aligns with his broader vision for transportation and infrastructure development in Mexico.

As the Maya Train project progresses, it will undoubtedly continue to spark debates concerning its environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, and its potential to drive tourism and benefit local communities.