Of the 69 priority infrastructure projects of the Marcos administration, 23 involve railway systems in keeping with the government’s dream of a ‘railway renaissance’ for the benefit of commuters and to spur economic growth that is currently being hindered by time lost in traffic and commuting.
At a recent conference, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Assistant Secretary Jorjette Aquino revealed that “big investments in railways” such as the recent signing of a funding assistance by the Japanese government and the Asian Development Bank to implement the 30-year railway masterplan covering the National Capital Region, Central Luzon and Calabarzon.
The DOTr envisions that by 2055 the railways to be built and operated to provide better connectivity and train commuting experience similar to Tokyo, Shanghai and Seoul, would finally be felt in the capital and other nearby densely-populated regions.
This “railway renaissance,” as Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista calls it, is set to be realized via a 30-year rail master plan that would not involve only longer rail lines and more trains but would provide comfort and safety to all passengers.
International partnerships
The DOTr, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently inked their partnership to work on the game plan, which is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2026.
DOTr said JICA has pledged about ¥300 million, or P125.68 million, for this initiative, the Inquirer reported.
The plan’s goal is to increase rail passenger trips and double the average distance of all trips within one hour during peak rush hour especially.
“The plan eyes increasing rail density and rail share of trips to be at par with Metropolitan Tokyo, Shanghai, and Seoul,” the DOTr said.
Rail personnel will be trained to adapt to new technologies and modern equipment, Bautista said.
Under the partnership, ADB will be tapped to conduct a land transport traffic survey and develop a demand forecast modeling for ridership.
The masterplan would transcend five presidents and will contain a blueprint so viable and a vision so compelling that succeeding administrations will have no choice but to follow it,” said Undersecretary for Railways Cesar Chavez.
JICA chief Representative to the Philippines Takema Sakamoto said the “Philippines can count on JICA to continue supporting and collaborating with us to create a better railway master plan for Metro Manila.
Already, several major projects are underway namely, the North-South Commuter Railway, the Metro Manila Subway, and extensions for existing LRT and MRT lines. “There are also plans for several new lines,” Aquino disclosed.
By 2030, the total length of the Philippines’ railway network is expected to reach over 1,200 kilometers, a massive increase from its current length
These new railway lines will connect growing cities with developing areas, creating more economic opportunities for Filipinos.
Challenges
Several (surmountable) challenges exist such as the long-term nature of these projects and finding a transition path while these projects take shape.
A railway project's timeline from inception to completion depends on whether it is a commuter rail, a monorail or a high-speed rail system.
Each has a different risk and technology profile, noted a Manila Times columnist.
Other challenges are: the release of permits and approvals which take 1.5 years; land acquisition of 2 to 3 years at least; civil works of 3 to 4 years; mechanical and testing and commissioning, 1.5 to 2 years. To be fully operational, a railway system can take 10 to 15 years.
Since railways cross urban environments, a major challenge is right-of-way acquisition.
Bringing structures underground with new technologies is a new option for the North South Commuter Railway.
Acquiring sufficient land for constructing railway tracks, stations and associated infrastructure is complex, costly and messy as it involves negotiations with multiple landowners that at times lead to delays and disputes.
Photo courtesy: Philippine News Agency
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