Phase 1 of Mindanao Railway System Will Start Next Year

Just less than a month after the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) that they are finalizing the Proposal Railway project of Mindanao. The good news is that the Mindanao Railway System Phase 1 to start construction next year according to NEDA. Among the top priority infrastructure project under the Duterte administration, the first phase of the 124.65-kilometer circumferential railway system will cover the Cagayan de Oro – Iligan Corridor, from the municipality of Jasaan, Misamis Oriental to Linamon, Lanao Del Norte.

According to the proposed plan, Mindanao Railway System will be built in six phases. The first phase (Northern Mindanao) will continue its construction from Jasaan, Misamis Oriental to Nasipit, Agusan Del Norte passing through Gingoog City. Second phase (CARAGA region) will then start in Nasipit, Agusan Del Norte to Surigao City passing through Butuan City. The third phase will connect CARAGA region and Davao region, from Butuan City and Prosperidad, Agusan Del Norte to Tagum City in Davao del Norte which will then extend up to Davao City.

Phase 4 will cover the SOCCKSARGEN area from Cotabato City to General Santos City and will also extend up to Malungon in Sarangani province. Phase 5 (Western Mindanao) will start in Zamboanga City to Aurora, Zamboanga Del Sur passing through Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay and Dipolog City. It will also be connected to Northern Mindanao in Linamon, Lanao Del Norte (phase 1) and another track will connect Cotabato City (phase 4).

And finally, phase 6 will start in Cagayan de Oro City (also in phase 1) to Malungon, Sarangani that connects phase 4 (Gensan – Cotabato). The final stage will cover the key cities such as Malaybalay City, Valencia City and Damulog in Bukidnon to Davao City and Digos City in Davao del Sur. Cagayan de Oro and Davao City will be the main point railway station of the said project.