Former Cebu City north district Representative Raul del Mar had proposed a tunnel network to ease traffic congestion, including a route from D. Jakosalem Street, F. Sotto Drive, Archbishop Reyes Avenue to Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue extending to Talamban proper. Additional tunnels were proposed from Salinas Drive to Serging Osmeña Avenue and from Cardinal Rosales Avenue to Mandaue City. The total estimated cost for these tunnels was P16 billion. The advantage of tunnels is that they go underground, eliminating the need for right-of-way acquisition.
However, the plan remains on hold as no other official has taken it up and pushed for its implementation. Instead, road widening along the Banilad-Talamban (Bantal) corridor, known for severe traffic congestion, continues.
Bigger Project: Metro Cebu Underground MRT
A larger project has been allocated P426 million this year by the Department of Transportation (DoTr) for a feasibility study on a proposed 67.5-kilometer Metro Cebu underground Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system from Danao City to Carcar City. The funding is borrowed from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The feasibility study is expected to be completed in 24 months. While projects of this magnitude take time, the fact that it has started is a positive step.
The Regional Development Council (RDC) 7 has approved the project. Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro stated that this is among the major projects, including dams on major rivers in Cebu, a fourth bridge connecting Cebu and Mactan, and a coastal highway.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
Many regret that the railway system from Danao to Argao was not maintained before World War II. However, if the underground MRT system materializes, travel from Cebu City to Carcar and Danao will become much faster.
Jennifer Bretaña, regional director of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev) 7, said the proposed railway network includes a Central Line that will run through the middle of Metro Cebu. From the Central Line, it will connect to Danao City in the north and Carcar City in the south, totaling 67.5 kilometers. Another line, 25 kilometers long, will go to Lapu-Lapu City. This dream may soon become a reality.
