Roads too small for elevated rail lines: Subway for Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is considering constructing a subway in Cebu Province instead of an elevated rail line to help alleviate traffic congestion in the area.

In a statement, Transportation Undersecretary for Planning and Project Development, Usec. Timothy John Batan, stated that the project was conceived as part of the agency’s master plan for the province to decongest roads and encourage the use of public transport.

Under the Cebu master plan, the subway will span approximately 60 to 65 kilometers, running from Danao City to Carcar City.

Usec. Batan disclosed that discussions with Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and the Provincial Government regarding the construction of the Cebu Subway began in 2024.

He explained that an elevated rail line is not feasible due to Cebu Province’s narrow roads, unlike those in Metro Manila.

“Unfortunately, noong tiningnan natin ang Cebu, walang mahaba at malapad na daan kung saan pwede tayong magtayo ng elevated railway. D’yan nanggaling yung ideya [ng Cebu Subway]. Actually, nasa master plan para sa Cebu ang subway,” said Usec. Batan through DOTr’s radio program Sakay Na! on Radyo Pilipinas.

An elevated rail line in Cebu would also result in a “curvy” alignment, Usec. Batan added.

“Pwede po pero napakahirap. Magiging baku-bako at liku-liko masyado ang magiging alignment ng ating riles,” he said.

However, he emphasized that the project will still undergo a feasibility study.

“Ngayon po ay 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 pangangailangan ng mga taga-Cebu,” Usec. Batan stated.

He further mentioned that the transport agency will conduct a demand study to determine the number of passengers the subway can accommodate.

“Sa kasalukuyan, mag-uumpisa tayo ng demand or ridership study para magkaroon tayo ng estima kung ilan ang magiging ridership ng Cebu Subway,” Usec. Batan said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pushed for the establishment of a railway system in Cebu during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) in June 2022 -  ATO (CEBU NEWS)