The Department of Transportation on Tuesday said it is pushing through with the construction of the Mindanao Railway Project funded by a official development assistance from China.
“The Mindanao Railway Project will push through, at present we are just waiting for the shortlist of bidders for the design and build contractor to be provided by China. There will be bidding among themselves as soon as we receive it, procurement and construction will follow,” Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade said during the virtual inauguration of the Metro Davao Bike Lane Network Project.
“The DOTr is also in the process of bidding for the procurement of the project management consultant, hopefully, we are targeting August that the contract will be awarded,” he added.
Tugade said the agency is working the partial operability of the P82 billion Tagum-Carmen segment of Mindanao Railway “hopefully” before the term of President Duterte.
The 102-km Mindanao Railway Project: Tagum-Davao-Digos segment is expected to reduce travel time from Tagum City, Davao del Norte to Digos City, Davao del Sur from 3.5 hours to 1.3 hours.
The MRP-TDD segment is the first of the three phases of the project. It is expected to make travel faster, and offer safer and more convenient ride for passengers in the corridor, according to the government.
It will have eight stations at Tagum, Carmen, Panabo, Mudiang, Davao, Toril, Sta. Cruz and Digos. A 10-hectare depot will also be built in Tagum.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said in a virtual briefing the 54.71-kilometer bike lane network in Davao, which stretches across 14 road sections, was officially completed onJune 30.
Tugade inaugurated the Metro Davao Bike Lane Network Project, covering a 54.71-kilometer stretch across 14 road sections.
“The DOTr will continue to be your partner in promoting active transportation in the entire country,” Tugade said.
He called on cyclists to observe road safety and etiquette at all times while inside the bike lanes.
“As a mode of active transport, cycling is known for its simplicity, efficiency and environmentally beneficial mode of transport,” he added.
The bike lane network features white and green pavement markings, signage, bollards, bike symbols and concrete delineators to ensure the bikers’ safety. It also has solar studs and bike racks for the comfort and convenience of bikers.