Mindanao Railway revived: ADB leads new feasibility study

THE Department of Economy, Planning, and Development–Davao Region (DEPDev-Davao) said having the Asian Development Bank (ADB) conduct the feasibility study for the Mindanao Railway allows any interested country to implement the project.

“The advantage of having ADB procure the feasibility study is that it is not hinged on one government like China,” Priscilla R. Sonido, regional director of DEPDev-Davao, said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw on Monday, January 19, 2025, at SM City Davao.

Sonido explained that if China conducted the study, it would also be the only country able to implement the project. With ADB’s multilateral approach, however, any country can pursue it. She noted that a previous feasibility study by China was scrapped after the project was suspended.

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Regarding Phase 1 of the Tagum–Davao–Digos segment, Sonido said, “For now, it’s not included — it’s not on the radar for Phase 1.”

She added that directives from DEPDev central office indicate that Phase 1, covering Tagum–Davao–Digos, will be financed by ADB, with procurement for consultants expected to start soon.