MANILA – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is looking into the construction of an underground rail line in Cebu province to help address vehicular traffic.
In an interview over Radyo Pilipinas on Thursday, DOTr Undersecretary for Planning and Project Development Timothy John Batan said such a project was first discussed with Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia in 2024 and conceived as part of the DOTr’s masterplan to decongest Cebu roads through public transport.
“Dadaan pa ito sa feasibility study. Isa po sa direksyon nating tinatahak ang involvement ng provincial government ng Cebu nang sa ganun ay maging tugma at angkop sa pangagailangan ng mga taga Cebu (This will still go through a feasibility study. The direction we’re looking at is to involve the provincial government of Cebu to ensure the project will address the needs of the locals),” Batan said.
He said Cebu’s narrow roads make elevated rail lines not feasible and why they are eyeing a subway instead.
“Puwede po pero napakahirap. Magiging baku-bako at liku-liko masyado ang magiging alignment ng ating riles (It is possible but it would be too difficult. The railway alignment will not be right),” Batan said.
Under the DOTr’s Cebu masterplan, the subway will connect Danao City to Carcar City through 50 to 65 kilometers of rail line.
The project’s feasibility study is currently looking into the number of passengers the subway should be able to accommodate. (PNA)