Tugade leads groundbreaking for PNR Clark Phase 1 in Bulacan

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade (second from left) leads the groundbreaking for the PNR Clark Phase 1 of the North South Commuter Railway Extension Project in Malolos, Bulacan. (Contributed photo)

CITY OF MALOLOS — Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade on Friday led the groundbreaking ceremony for the phase 1 (Malolos-Tutuban) of the 147-kilometer North-South Commuter Railway Extension Project here.

The railway project is expected to ease traffic congestion and cut travel time from here to Manila.

Phase 1, which is called Philippine National Railways (PNR) Clark, is expected to be completed by 2021.

This segment will connect Tutuban in Divisoria, Manila to this city.

The PNR Clark Phase 1 will have 10 stations spanning 38 kilometers and is expected to serve around 340,000 passengers daily.

The construction will be funded through Japan International Cooperation Agency Official Development Assistance’s soft loan package worth P149 billion.

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda and Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado, together with other Japanese and transportation officials, also joined the groundbreaking./lzb