Ben Madilynn
TO ALLEVIATE traffic congestion and improve public transport in Metro Cebu, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is considering the construction of an underground rail line.
The DOTr’s Cebu master plan proposes that the subway will span 50 to 65 kilometers, connecting Danao City in northern Cebu to Carcar City in the southern part of the province.
Timothy John Batan, DOTr undersecretary for planning and project development, said in a recent radio interview that the project was first discussed with Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia in 2024.
“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 (This will still undergo a feasibility study. The direction we’re taking involves collaboration with the Provincial Government of Cebu to ensure the project aligns with and suits the needs of locals),” Batan said.
He said Cebu’s narrow roads render elevated rail lines infeasible, prompting the consideration of a subway system.
“Puwede po pero napakahirap. Magiging baku-bako at liko-liko masyado ang magiging alignment ng ating riles (It is technically possible but highly challenging. The railway alignment will become too uneven and winding),” Batan said.
The ongoing feasibility study is currently examining the projected passenger capacity required for the subway.
The subway is part of the Metro Cebu Urban Transport Master Plan, developed in collaboration between the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board in 2019.
If the project pushes through, it will be constructed in two phases. The first phase, known as the central line, will extend through Danao City, Liloan, Consolacion, Mandaue City, Cebu City, Talisay City, Naga City, San Fernando and Carcar City.
The second phase, referred to as the coastal line, will run through Talisay City, Cebu City, Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City.
The ongoing Cebu Bus Rapid Transit System is part of the urban transport master plan.
Metro Cebu Expressway
Another infrastructure project aimed at alleviating traffic congestion is the Metro Cebu Expressway (MCE), which will traverse the mountain ranges of Cebu and serve as a backbone highway for Metro Cebu. It is planned to be approximately 74 kilometers long, connecting Danao City to City of Naga in the south.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has transferred the authority to implement the MCE project to the Cebu Provincial Government. This decision was made after the project was delisted from the priority infrastructure flagship programs by the DPWH. / PNA, KAL
