The nation is set to embark on a "railway renaissance" era following the establishment of a unified network of railways that would support regional cooperation and the economy, according to a Department of Transportation (DOTr) executive.
During her remarks at the PhilRailway Tech Conference held at the Mariott Hotel in Pasay City, DOTr Assistant Secretary for Railways Jorjette Aquinostated that 23 of the 69 infrastructure projects the agency is working on will enhance and grow the nation's rail system.
“The significant share of railways in the list of infrastructure flagship projects showcases the Marcos administration's trust and commitment to the revival of the Philippine railway network, through its Build Better More campaign,” Aquino said, referencing the administration’s current infrastructure program.
Current railway projects
Currently, five major railway projects are being built: the MRT Line 7; the LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension Project; the MRT Line 7; the North-South Commuter Railway System (NSCR); and the MRT Line 3 Rehabilitation and Maintenance (Phase 1), which all could be game-changers in the National Capital Region and surrounding areas.
Meanwhile, 13 railway projects are currently in the development stage, and five more are in the pre-construction phase.
The country's railway system would have grown to a total length of 1,233.08 kilometers (km) by 2030, up 356.43 percent from the current 270.16 km, according to the DOTr.
Long term assistance from Japan
Through the construction of railway networks in the capital and surrounding heavily populated areas, the Philippines is expected to have improved connectivity and train travel experiences by 2055—with support from the Japanese government—that are comparable to those of Tokyo, Shanghai, and Seoul.
Last year, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica), and Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently signed a partnership agreement, pledging approximately ¥300 million, or P125.68 million to the country.
Additionally, the 853-kilometer (km) Philippine National Railway North Long Haul, 100-kilometer Panay Railway, 54-kilometer North Mindanao Railway, and 17-kilometer San Mateo Railway are also scheduled to be built in the next few years.
