The old proposal seemed to be abolished soon. The Chinese recently released a map of the railway project via PTV Facebook page, and the first phase will construct a railway along Tagum City, Davao del Sur, and Digos City.
It can be recalled that the original proposal will have the first phase of construction along Northern Mindanao, specifically from Jasaan, Misamis Oriental going to Linamon, Lanao del Norte. In the original proposal, the railway will traverse along major cities in Mindanao such as Zamboanga, General Santos, Pagadian, and cities in Bukidnon. It will cost P78 billion pesos.
But the new proposal from the Chinese made major changes to the original plan. As shown in the photo below taken from PTV Facebook page, the railway will no longer traverse along some important cities such as Zamboanga and General Santos. It will cost 218 billion, and it will no longer make trips across Bukidnon province.
Mindanao Railway will embody a high-speed technology as mentioned by Mindanao Development Authority (MinDa) chairman secretary Datu HJ. Abul Khayr Alonto during Wednesday's Hapi at Kape at Abreeza Ayala Mall Davao City on January 25. He disclosed there were already meetings held between China and the Philippines for the Mindanao Railway Project. "It will be a government to government project." said Alonto.
Keep posted for more update regarding Mindanao Railway Project. We in MEB News will be keen on following the development of this long-delayed project.
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More cities will have train stations in the original proposal compared to the new one presented by the Chinese. Photo credit to the owner. |