• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod is endorsing to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) a request to conduct a feasibility study on the possibility of constructing a railway system in conjunction with the proposed Panay-Guimaras-Negros (PGN) bridge linking the islands of Negros Occidental, Guimaras, and Iloilo Province.
The resolution authored by Councilor Al Victor Espino said the development of transportation infrastructure is critical to the economic growth, sustainability, and connectivity of the islands of Negros Occidental Guimaras, and Iloilo Province.
The proposed bridge that will link the three islands presents an opportunity to enhance not only road transportation but also a railway system that can serve as an efficient, sustainable, and affordable means of transportation for both passengers and freight, it said.
The establishment of a railway system along the bridge could significantly reduce travel time between the islands, improve the movement of goods, boost tourism, and foster economic development within the region, the resolution said.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod recognizes the need to explore the potential of constructing a railway system as part of the bridge infrastructure to ensure that the project maximizes its benefits for the people of Negros occidental, Guimaras, and Iloilo Province, it said.
Conducting a feasibility study is crucial in determining the technical, economic, environmental, and social viability of integrating a railway system into the planned bridge construction, the resolution said.
The resolution also requests the appropriate national government agencies including the Department of Transportation (DOTr), NEDA, and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in coordination with the local governments of Negros Occidental, Guimaras, and Iloilo, to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study on the construction of a railway system to be integrated into the proposed bridge project.
The feasibility study will assess the technical, financial, and environmental considerations, as well as the potential socio-economic impact of the railway system, and determine the viability of implementing the project in phases or as a whole, it added.*
