The Department of Transportation ‘s (DOTr) three rail projects, with a total cost of PHP307 billion, will boost freight capacity in the Philippines. Under the plans, cargo capacity on long-haul railways in Luzon and Mindanao will be increased, particularly the PHP175 billion Philippine National Railway (PNR) South long haul line, PHP81.7 billion Mindanao railway and PHP50 billion Subic-Clark railway.
The PNR South long-haul network will be used to boost logistics and trade between Metro Manila with Southern Tagalog and Bicol Region. Meanwhile, development on the Mindanao Railway’s Tagum-Davao-Digos section, and the Subic-Clark railway are expected to boost trade activities in Mindanao and Central Luzon regions.
Dedicated freight railway lines are also planned to support trade outside of Metro Manila. Other plans include the revival of the Panay Railways.