Speaking this week, Suarez Coello indicated that the 209.2-kilometer line between the capital and Queretaro will be finished before the end of the current presidential administration in 2018.
Extending the route to Celaya, Salamanca, Irapuato and Leon will begin immediately once the first stage is complete, he said.
The Mexico City-Queretaro line will cost about three billion dollars, according to most estimates.
Plans are also being discussed to add an additional line up to Monterrey in the north of Mexico.