Project Profile: Tagum-Davao-Digos (TDD) Railway Segment

The Tagum-Davao-Digos (TDD) Railway is a 105-kilometer electrified commuter rail line serving as the foundational first phase of the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP). This segment is engineered to establish a modern, high-capacity transportation backbone for the Davao Region, linking key economic hubs and setting the technical standard for future rail expansion across Mindanao. The project integrates advanced signaling and control systems to reduce travel time and catalyze regional economic development.

Technical Specifications

The TDD segment is designed as a single-track railway with infrastructure provisions for a future second track to accommodate increased traffic. The route alignment includes at-grade, elevated viaduct, and bridge sections to navigate the region’s topography. The line features eight stations: Tagum, Carmen, Panabo, Mudiang, Davao Terminal, Toril, Sta. Cruz, and Digos, supported by a 10-hectare depot in Tagum for maintenance and operations. While the line is designed for full electrification, initial operations will be serviced by six five-car Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) train sets. The project’s core technology is a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for centralized train control, traffic management, and safety monitoring, ensuring high operational efficiency and compliance with modern railway safety standards.

Key Takeaways

• Economic Catalyst: The railway is projected to cut travel time between Tagum and Digos from over 3.5 hours to just 1.3 hours, significantly boosting trade, tourism, and labor mobility within the Davao Region.
• Foundation for Mindanao Network: As the pilot phase of the 1,530km Mindanao Railway Project, the TDD’s successful implementation is critical for securing funding and providing a technical blueprint for subsequent phases connecting other major Mindanao cities and ports.
• Infrastructure Modernization: The project represents a major technological leap for public transport in the region, introducing modern rolling stock, electrified-ready infrastructure, and advanced signaling systems that will set a new standard for Philippine transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the Tagum-Davao-Digos railway open?
Construction is underway in phases. While a final completion date is subject to construction schedules, initial segments of the TDD railway are projected to begin operations between 2027 and 2028, with full line operation to follow.

Who is building the TDD railway?
The TDD railway is a flagship project of the Government of the Philippines, implemented by the Department of Transportation (DOTr). The project’s engineering, design, and management involve several key consultancy firms, including Schema Consult, the Engineering and Development Corp of the Philippines (EDCOP), and PRIMEX, with various civil and electromechanical works awarded to specialized contractors.