India emerges as potential financing partner for Mindanao Railway

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 18, 2026

Photo Courtesy: PCO

India has emerged as a potential financing partner for the long-delayed Mindanao Railway Project as the Philippine government expands efforts to secure foreign support for the planned rail system.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the project was among those presented to the Indian government during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent visit to New Delhi. Indian officials have expressed interest in the project, according to Lopez.

The disclosure follows Marcos’ Sept. 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 potentially provide consultancy services, participate in public-private partnership arrangements, or help explore official development assistance for the project.

Before seeking financing, however, the Department of Transportation is updating the railway’s feasibility study, which dates back to 2016–2017. DOTr Undersecretary Timothy John Batan said the Asian Development Bank is assisting with the update.

The government is also exploring financing options with France, Spain and other development partners through government-to-government agreements.

The Mindanao Railway has no specific allocation in the proposed 2027 national budget, but the DOTr said the administration continues to prioritize the project as part of efforts to expand major transportation infrastructure beyond Metro Manila.