Manila: India has emerged as a potential financing partner for the long-delayed Mindanao Railway Project as the government widens its search for foreign support to revive the planned rail system. During the Senate hearing on the Department of Transportation's (DOTr) proposed 2027 budget Friday, Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez revealed that the project was among those presented to India during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s recent trip to New Delhi.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lopez mentioned that the Mindanao Rail Project was pitched to the government of India, which showed interest in the proposal. This development follows President Marcos' September 12 meeting with representatives of Rail India Technical and Economic Service Ltd. (RITES), where the Mindanao Railway was identified as one of three Philippine rail projects being considered for possible cooperation.

RITES could become involved through consultancy, public-private partnership arrangements, or help explore official development assistance. Meanwhile, DOTr Undersecretary Timothy John Batan stated that the government is working on updating the railway's feasibility study, which dates back to 2016-2017, before approaching potential financing partners.

Batan highlighted the involvement of the Asian Development Bank in assisting with the feasibility study update. Completing this updated study is deemed necessary before securing a new partner for the project. The search for financing partners is also expanding beyond India. Batan noted that government-to-government (G2G) arrangements could open funding opportunities with France, Spain, and other development partners.

Once these G2G agreements are signed, the Philippines will gain more options for financing partners for the Mindanao Rail and other projects. However, the Mindanao Railway did not receive a specific allocation in the proposed 2027 national budget, leading lawmakers to seek additional funding for the project.

Despite this, Lopez affirmed that the administration continues to prioritize the railway as part of broader efforts to expand major transport infrastructure beyond Metro Manila.