Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 22) — Russia wants to construct a massive railway line in the Philippines, its head diplomat said.
In a media briefing, Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev said that talks are underway to construct a railway that would connect Manila and North Luzon provinces like Ilocos and Cagayan.
Khovaev said this would improve the traffic situation in Luzon.
“The Russia Railways, they are exploring the possibility of building railways to northern part of Luzon from Manila to Ilocos and to Cagayan,” Khovaev said.
Russia Railways is a state-owned Russian company that operates more than 85,000 kilometers of railway in the northern country.
Aside from Russia, the Philippines is also working with China for a massive railway project, this time in the South.
The Philippines is involved in government-to-government talks with China to fund the first phase of the Mindanao railway. This project is meant to link the major cities of the Davao region— Tagum, Davao City, and Digos City.
CNN Philippines’ correspondent Tristan Nodalo contributed to this story.
