The Mindanao Railway Project is a proposed railway network on the island of Mindanao in the Southern Philippines. The railway would connect the major cities of the island via a circumferential railway, with spur lines connecting outlying cities.
Mindanao is the second-largest island in the Philippines, and it has a population of over 20 million people. Luzon is currently the only island that has an operating railway, most of which are railways serving Metro Manila.
Plans for a island-wide railway were go back to the 1930’s, and the railway was reconsidered in the 1990’s. In 2016 Rodrigo Duterte was elected as president of the Philippines, becoming the first Philippine leader from Mindanao. One of his election promises was to begin the project and have a line operating before the end of his term in 2022.
Not long after Duterte came to power it was announced that construction of the 2000km system would begin in 2017. There has since been an announcement every year saying that the project will start next year.
The project will be built in stages, with the first section being a 105km line from Tagum to Davao (the city where Duterte was previously the mayor) and then Digos. The first segment will take 1.3 hours to travel from Tagum to Digos, down from the current 3.5 hours by road.
[Image via rpnradio.com.]
This section will eventually form part of the 830km circular loop around the island. Other media sources quote the total system as being from 1500km to 2000km. There are other maps that show a north-south line from Cagayan de Oro to Davao, which may account for the variations in distance.
The railway was originally going to be a dual-track electricity-powered railway, but it has since been downgraded to a single-track diesel-powered railway. The line will be built to accommodate another track and electrification in the future.
Another issue has been the matter of funding. After interest from the other East Asia powerhouses, China has become the main lender for the project. A condition of this loan is that only Chinese contractors will be selected to bid for the project.
Photos / Images
Images via @Discover ASEAN (original source unknown).
Links and Resources
Mindanao Railway: Tagum-Davao City-Digos (TDD) Segment [PDF] – Official information.
First phase of Mindanao Railway Project to cut Tagum to Digos travel time from 3.5 to 1.3 hours – Press release from the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
[Map of proposed Mindanao Railway System. Source: Philippine Department of Transportation.]
Mindanao Railway Watchers – An online community of railway advocates that believe that Mindanao should have a functional railway.
Mindanao Railway Project – Tagum Segment – Facebook page with updates on the Tagum segment.
News Archive
The following links are the news archives of the Mindanao Railway Project.
2024
Notice to proceed – project preparation services for the Mindanao Railway Project, Phase III (Northern Mindanao) – [14/08/24]
Mindanao Railway Project: A vision for sustainable development – [01/08/24]
3 firms express interest to construct Mindanao Railway Project – [25/07/24]
JICA says Mindanao rail plan not ready for funding decision – [18/07/24]
Is the Mindanao Railway back on track? – [08/07/24]
Davao, Panabo face RoW funding constraints for Mindanao Railway – [30/06/24]
PBBM’s order on Mindanao railway to push through ‘very clear’: MinDA – [19/06/24]
“Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Leo Tereso Magno said Wednesday President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s instruction to push through the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP) is “very clear” despite its funding issues.”
PBBM admin to pursue Mindanao Railway – [18/06/24]
“President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. eyes to pursue the much-expected completion of the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP) Phase 1 to shorten travel time from Tagum to Davao then Digos by about one hour.”
DOTr ‘overhauling’ Mindanao Railway Project – [12/06/24]
Transport dep’t revamps Mindanao railway study – [10/06/24]
Government mulls use of electric train for Mindanao railway – [08/06/24]
Marcos gov’t seeks more funds for Mindanao Railway project – [07/06/24]
Recto: PPP, ODA being eyed for Mindanao rail funding – [11/04/24]
Rep. Pimentel urges Recto to seek funding for Mindanao Railway Project – [07/04/24]
Recto must go to Japan to seek funding for Mindanao Railway Project, says solon – [06/04/24]
China railway for Davao dream dashed as Marcos tilts towards the US – [27/03/24]
No China railway as Marcos tilts towards the US – [22/03/24]
Marcos Jr.’s policy shift vs China impacts Mindanao Railway Project—Political Strategist – [02/03/24]
Mindanao railway project up for NEDA review – [28/02/24]
PBBM wants new funding sources for Mindanao railway – [13/02/24]
Mindanao rail new feasibility study to proceed even without funding in place – [12/02/24]
No China, no problem: Mindanao Railway to continue even without Beijing’s loans – [07/02/24]
Gov’t eyes alternative funding for Mindanao Railway – [06/02/24]
DOTr to pursue Mindanao Railway Project while seeking funding – [06/02/24]
Mindanao Railway Project-Phase 3 feasibility study starts – [05/02/24]
US willing to invest in Mindanao Railway Project: envoy – [03/01/24]
2023
Mindanao exec positive admin won’t abandon railway project – [19/12/23]
“The Office of the Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao (Opamin) is optimistic the current administration will not totally desert the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP).”
Open to interested country – [16/12/23]
“Mindanao railway TDD segment proposed to other countries post-China negotiation failure.”
Tagum-Davao-Digos segment of railway project to be deliberated again – [14/12/23]
Mindanao Railway Project funded by ODA, PPP: DOTr – [26/11/23]
“The government did not mothball the Mindanao Railway Project, one of the three big-ticket railway projects in limbo after the country dropped China as a funding source.”
JICA ‘not ready yet’ to fund Mindanao Railway – [15/11/23]
“A Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) official said they are “not ready yet” to fund Mindanao Railway’s construction.
“Actually, to be frank, we have a lot of projects in the entire Philippines, now because we are supporting the construction of the Manila subway and North–South Commuter Railway (NSCR) and so on,” JICA Philippines’ Chief Representative Takema Sakamoto said in a press conference Friday last week.”
Jica expresses openness to discuss funding of Mindanao Railway Project – [13/11/23]
“A JAPAN International Cooperation Agency (Jica) official expressed openness to discussions if the Philippine government signifies strong interest in seeking funds from Jica for the construction of the Mindanao Railway.”
Japan can keep Mindanao rail project on track–solon – [03/11/23]
Japan seen as Mindanao Railways Project ‘fallback’ sponsor – [03/11/23]
Philippines drops China loan for Mindanao railway – [26/10/23]
“Infrastructure cooperation with China is starting to show cracks under the Marcos administration, as the Philippines withdrew the proposed first rail system in Mindanao from Beijing’s portfolio.”
FACT CHECK: DOTr not halting Mindanao Railway Project – [28/10/23]
Philippines turns its back on Chinese loans for 3 railway projects – [26/10/23]
“Asked whether the tensions between China and the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea have influenced loan negotiations, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista had his doubts”
Solon hopes Marcos will include Mindanao railway plan in his 2nd Sona – [24/07/23]
WATCH: DOTr eyes trains for Butuan-Cagayan de Oro, Panay rail revival – [19/07/23]
“Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista says the Philippine government is talking to China again about funding the Mindanao railway.”
P100M set for study on N. Mindanao rail project – [24/02/23]
“The Public-Private Partnership Center Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF) Committee has approved a P100-million fund for a feasibility study on the Northern Mindanao Railway (Cagayan de Oro) project.”
Is the Mindanao Railway derailed? – [31/01/23]
Construction of railway targeted to start in Q1 2023 – [14/01/23]
2022
Mindanao railway attracting interest from ‘other countries’ – [04/12/22]
Masyadong mataas! Mindanao Railway derailed by 3% interest rate on China loans—Jaime Bautista – [12/11/22]
“In an interview on One News’ “The Chiefs” Thursday (November 10), Bautista said the government found the terms of the loans offered by Japan for other infrastructure projects better.”
Mindanao Railway: a fading dream? – [26/10/22]
US envoy offers support for Mindanao Railway Project – [14/10/22]
With loan application to China withdrawn, Mindanao Railway further derailed – [30/09/22]
Derailed: China-funded project stalls, becomes burden for southern Philippine residents – [26/08/22]
“Far from becoming the once-touted star of the Philippines’ infrastructure program, a huge rail project that China was supposed to back in the south has become a millstone around residents’ necks, leaving many in debt and in limbo during the past four years.”
Lawmakers want Mindanao Railway Project probed over right-of-way issues – [18/08/22]
Pulong wants to see Mindanao Railway Project done the right way – [18/08/22]
Marcos, Jr. admin to continue Mindanao Railway, Davao’s High Priority Bus System – [26/07/22]
With no contractors from China, Mindanao Railway Project hits the brakes – [25/05/22]
Mindanao Railway construction up to next admin —DOTr – [25/05/22]
With just a month left, Duterte admin yet to start building Mindanao Railway – [25/05/22]
Official: Funding for Mindanao Railway still pending – [20/04/22]
Housing readied for Tagum families along rail line – [30/03/22]
China short list of bidders for Mindanao rail out within Q1 – [13/01/22]
2021
House probe sought for Mindanao Rail land acquisitions – [28/10/21]
DOTr inks deal with Chinese firm for Mindanao Railway project – [21/10/21]
“The 100-kilometer Tagum-Davao-Digos Segment is an P82 billion project that will link Davao del Norte, Davao City and Digos City with its eight stations.”
Mindanao rail partial operations target reverts to March 2022 – [20/10/21]
Expropriation on the table to meet Mindanao Railway launch target – [07/10/21]
Transport dep’t says Mindanao rail groundwork proceeding – [03/10/21]
DOTr asking Senate for help as Mindanao Railway gets zero budget in 2022 – [30/09/21]
Mindanao Railway construction set to start in 2022 – [17/09/21]
Mindanao rail pre-construction to continue despite objections – [05/09/21]
“The Department of Transportation (DoTr) has denied a request to relocate a Mindanao Railway facility from landowners and businesses in Toril, Davao City affected by the China-funded project, citing the delays such a relocation would entail.”
China consortium bags Mindanao rail consultancy – [09/08/21]
“The transportation department said Monday a Chinese consortium composed of China Railway Design Corp. and Guangzhou Wanan Construction Supervision Co., Ltd. has won the P3.08-billion project management consultancy contract for the first phase of the Mindanao Railway Project.”
DOTr vows railway partially operational before mid-2022 – [21/07/21]
“The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is pushing through with the construction of the Mindanao Railway Project and promised that it will be partially operating before President Rodrigo Duterte steps down in mid-2022.”
DOTr set to award MindaRail consultancy contract next month – [21/07/21]
“Transportation Secretary Art Tugade said on Tuesday that the government aims to award the contract for the project management consultancy services of the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP) to the winning bidder next month.”
Gov’t pushes Mindanao railway project with official funding from China — DOTR – [20/07/21]
“The Department of Transportation on Tuesday said it is pushing through with the construction of the Mindanao Railway Project funded by a official development assistance from China.”
Mindanao railway remains a dream after 85 years – [29/06/21]
“President Rodrigo Duterte repeatedly promised to give Mindanao a railway system when he campaigned for the presidency in 2016, and during the early days of his administration. Now in his last full year in Malacanang, Mindanaoans have yet to see the government putting in place a single track.”
Mindanao Railway seen to start partial operations by 2022 – [21/06/21]
“The Department of Transportation said Monday it expects the Tagum-Carmen segment of the P82-billion Mindanao Railway Project to start partial operations by March 2022. “Our target partial operability is by 2022. We are fast tracking the acquisition of the right of way,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.”
Construction of MindaRail to start in Q3 – [12/05/21]
“The construction of the 102-kilometer first phase of the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP) is expected to begin in the third quarter of this year, an official of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said.”
DOTr to start Mindanao Railway Davao segment partial ops before Duterte’s term ends – [30/04/21]
DOTr: RROW acquisition for phase 1 of Mindanao railway completed by Q3 of 2021 – [29/04/21]
“The Department of Transportation (DOTr) targets to complete the acquisition of the road right of way (RROW) for the 102-kilometer phase 1 of the Mindanao Railway Project by the third quarter of 2021.”
‘No build zone’ along Mindanao Railway – [19/04/21]
Railway to propel Davao city as premier commercial hub in Mindanao – [08/03/21]
DOTr eyes partial operation of MindaRail by March 2022 – [01/03/21]
“Transportation Assistant Secretary Eymard Eje said the government is eyeing partial operability of the diesel-operated 102-kilometer Tagum City-Davao City-Digos City (TDD) segment of the Mindanao Railway Project by March 2022.”
China funding eyed for Mindanao railway – [26/02/21]
“The government hopes to sign the long-awaited loan agreement with China this year to jumpstart the construction of the country’s first train system outside Luzon.”
Piñol: Railway design ‘not what Mindanawans asked for’ – [12/02/21]
“The single-track design for the first phase of the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP) is “not what the Mindanawans were asking for,” Mindanao Development Authority (Minda) Chairman Emmanuel Piñol said in a recent forum.”
Neda-Davao: Mindanao Railway may begin construction in Q2 – [29/01/21]
“The Mindanao Railway Project (MRP)-Tagum-Davao-Digos (TDD) segment is expected to start its construction by the second quarter of 2021, the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda)-Davao said.”
2020
Mindanao Railway project to start construction by Q1 2021 – [14/10/20]
“The construction of the first phase of ₱81.7-billion Mindanao Railway project is scheduled to start first quarter of 2021, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said.”
House panel pushes for 2 tracks, electrification of Mindanao railway – [11/11/20]
“The House committee on Mindanao affairs wants the Mindanao railway to eventually be a two-track, electric-powered line instead of a single-track railway with diesel engines.”
‘One-time, big-time’ approach on Mindanao Railway Project pushed – [10/11/20]
Mindanao Railway Project still on, DoTr execs assure House – [15/09/20]
Mindanao rail phase 1 construction moved to 2021 – [10/08/20]
“The start of the construction of the China-funded Mindanao railway phase 1 has been moved to the first quarter of 2021, with the government yet to decide on a contractor.”
Mindanao railway bidder shortlist expected this month – [08/06/20]
“The government is expecting to receive the shortlist of bidders for the first phase of the China-funded Mindanao railway from the Chinese Embassy within the month, a transport official said.”
Gov’t to push through with Mindanao railway and Davao-Samal bridge projects despite COVID-19 pandemic – [04/06/20]
RDC-Davao questions single-track railway – [09/03/20]
“The Regional Development Council in Davao Region (RDC-Davao) wants the Department of Transportation (DOTR) to explain their decision in choosing the single-track design for the first phase of the Mindanao Railway project.”
DoTr to keep Mindanao railway single track, keeps options open – [05/02/20]
It’s single-track, diesel-run railway for Tagum, Davao, Digos – [16/01/20]
“The government will build a single-track diesel-run railway instead of a modern dual-track electricity-powered one for the first 102-kilometer portion of the Mindanao Railway Project, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro said.”
Mindanao rail track configuration still contentious – [15/01/20]
“The start of construction for the Mindanao Railway Project, which has been pushed back more than once due to right-of-way (RoW) issues within Davao City, is facing another stumbling block amid questions over the single-track diesel-powered system approved by the national government.”
2019
DOTr seeks to start massive Mindanao railway plan in early ’20 – [07/12/19]
“The Department of Transportation (DOTr) wants to break ground on the first phase of the massive Mindanao Railway Project—among the big-ticket infrastructure deals to be financed mainly by the Chinese government—by early 2020.”
NEDA Board approves 1st phase of Mindanao Railway project – [06/12/19]
Mindanao Railway starts construction in Q1 2020 – [17/09/19]
Chinese eye Mindanao rail – [17/09/19]
“At least four Chinese companies have already expressed interest to build an P82.9-billion segment of the Mindanao railway project (MRP), government officials said.”
Davao biz leaders hail new design for Mindanao Railway Project – [19/07/19]
“Local business leaders welcomed the decision to build an P82.9-billion modern dual track, electricity-run railway instead of a P35.9-billion single track, diesel-run one for the first phase of the 1,550-kilometer Mindanao Railway Project.”
No money yet from ‘friend’ China for costlier part of Mindanao railway – [15/07/19]
“The more expensive initial phase of the massive Mindanao Railway Project running through the Davao Region would be funded by the Philippines as no agreement has been reached yet with China for funding despite the Duterte administration’s tight embrace of the Asian behemoth as a friend.”
Davao homeowners to DOTr: Railway will make us live ‘along the riles’ – [25/02/19]
DOTr insists on proposed railway path in Davao City; says it’s cheaper – [21/02/19]
Mindanao railway project moving slow, says MinDA chief – [13/02/19]
“Phase 1 of the 1,550-kilometer Mindanao Railway Project is moving slow with only three years to accomplish it before President Rodrigo Duterte’s term ends in 2022, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Abul Khayr Alonto said in an interview on Tuesday.”
Mindanao railway update: LGUs sign MOA with DOTr for land acquisition – [26/01/19]
“Five local government units in Davao Region signed a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for the transfer of funds for the road right of way (RROW) and site acquisition for the first phase of the 1,550-kilometer Mindanao Railway Project.”
2018
Davao City residents protest proposed Mindanao Railway project – [15/12/18]
“Some property owners in golf and residential estates in Catalunan Pequeño here have complained against the proposed Mindanao Railway Project.”
Chinese funding for Mindanao Railway Project ‘a done deal’ -[04/12/18]
“The construction of phase 1 of the Department of Transportation’s Mindanao Railway Project with funds from Chinese Official Development Assistance “is a done deal,” project manager Patmei Ruivivar said. Ruivivar told on Friday that this was confirmed to her by Transportation Undersecretary for railways Timothy John Batan.”
Ground investigation, ROW talks underway for Mindanao train – [10/09/18]
DoTr, LGUs collaborate to fast-track Mindanao’s 1st train project – [31/08/18]
“The strong collaboration between the Department of Transportation (DoTr) and the Local Government Units (LGU) in Davao region, particularly in the land acquisition phase, is seen to fast-track the multi-billion Mindanao Railway Project (MRP).”
Mindanao railway project to start in January 2019 – [01/08/18]
Double-track electric system eyed for Mindanao railway – [21/06/18]
“The proposed two-track electric train system for the main line of the Mindanao Railway System (MRS) has been approved by the Department of Transportation (DoTr), a Davao-based business leader said.”
DOTr exec accuses ‘higher ups’ of derailing Mindanao Railway project – [19/05/18]
DOTr to bid out Mindanao Railway project in June – [25/04/18]
Security, other issues cloud dream of Mindanao Railway System – [24/04/18]
Mindanao Express dream on track – 23/04/18]
[YouTube: Mindanao Express dream on track.]
2017
Mindanao railway project to start in 2018 – [11/12/17]
Mindanao Railway construction starts in 2018 – [03/07/17]
“After more than two decades and several feasibility studies, construction of the 830-kilometer Mindanao Railway Network will finally begin in 2018.”
Duterte’s dilapidated hometown to get makeover with China’s ‘Belt and Road’ investment – [12/05/17]
“A flurry of Chinese-invested projects is poised to turn Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s dilapidated hometown of Davao into a Southeast Asian springboard for Beijing’s grand “Belt and Road Initiative”.”
China to fund Davao’s P40-b infra project; P218-b for Mindanao – [28/03/17]
“Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang said Beijing was willing to fund the P40 billion Davao City International Airport Development Project and the proposed P218-billion 830-kilometer Mindanao Railway Project.”
Mega railway system set for Mindanao – [04/03/17]
“Philippine govt hopes big-ticket projects will bring growth to region plagued by extremism.”
Mindanao Railway project approaches rollout – [16/01/17]
“The 2,000-kilometer Mindanao Railway project could move closer to a rollout when the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, led by President Rodrigo Duterte, meets next month.”
2016
China, Japan, Korea keen on funding Mindanao railway project – [18/08/16]
Construction of 2,000 km. Mindanao Railway System to start in 2017 – 18/08/16]
“The government is likely to start constructing the Mindanao Railway System next year as one of the priority infrastructure projects under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.”
Averting Duterte’s impending diplomatic train wreck – [08/07/16]
“China rail connection may come with South China Sea strings.”
Duterte: My first major project is a railway – [30/05/16]
“President-elect Rodrigo Duterte will prioritize the construction of a railway, he told media during a press conference on Saturday night, May 28.”
2014
Bill seeks airport privatization proceeds to fund Mindanao Railway System – [14/07/14]
“The first phase construction of the proposed 2,000-kilometer Mindanao Railway System (MRS) may soon be a reality if the bill filed by Representatives Rufus Rodriguez and Maximo Rodriguez Jr. is passed into law.”
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