According to National Economic and Development Authority-Region VI (NEDA-6) Director Ro-Ann Bacal, investors are hesitant about plans to revive the Panay railway, expressing concerns about expected costs.

The plans, which were introduced by President Rodrigo Duterte during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), are not part of the administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program.

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. said the railway raises an issue with viability and sustainability.

He pointed out, with the railway previously servicing the Iloilo City-Roxas City route, it is unlikely to be viable with the expansion of road networks throughout the island.

Plans for the railway’s revival were raised back in 2011, where project costs were estimated to be P16 billion./DGB, WDJ