The state of Guanajuato in central Mexico is proposing the construction of a 144km double-track rail link between its major cities and has picked Dallas-based financial consultant Americas International Capital (AICC) to facilitate funding and procurement.

The project is being organised by Temi, the Metropolitan and Intercity Train agency, which has just been set up in Guanajuato for this purpose.

If it goes ahead as planned, it will connect its five largest cities, which are all in the Bajío industrial corridor. These are: León, Irapuato, Celaya, Salamanca and Silao. It may also connect Guanajuato with the neighbouring state of Querétaro.

Bruce Brandt, AICC’s founding partner, said his company had signed an agreement with the state of Guanajuato to find investors to finance the project in exchange for participation in a 30-year concession.

Speaking to Railway Age, he commented: “We will work on behalf of the investor in managing the process throughout the development period, negotiate contracts with those companies looking to participate, and be hands-on with all state of Guanajuato relationships,” he says. “AICC will also arrange for debt and equity arrangement to close the financing.”