Gov’t, firms ink deals for North-South Commuter Railway projects
This file photo shows the workers in the 38-kilometer PNR Clark Phase 1 rail line in Balagtas, Bulacan, on Monday, June 14, 2021. The PNR Clark Phase 1 line is the 1st segment of the massive North-South Commuter Railway. It has 10 stations, spanning the cities of Manila, Caloocan, Valenzuela, Meycauayan, and Malolos, and is set to open in 2024. 📷:Niño Jesus Orbeta/Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines — Government and private companies on Thursday signed contracts involving portions of the 56-kilometer North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) that connects Malolos, Bulacan with Clark International Airport in Pampanga and Tutuban in Manila with Calamba, Laguna.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. witnessed the ceremonial signing of the South Commuter Section Contract Packages (CP) S-02 that covers the construction of railway tracks and stations along España, Sta. Mesa and Paco, and CP S-03B which involves building a tunnel linking the NSCR with the Metro Manila Subway Project.
In his speech, Marcos said the projects are intended to decongest the main thoroughfares within Metro Manila and cut the travel time for commuters.
“All in all, it promises speedier transactions, more quality time and improved quality of life for all,” he said.
“The railway will also spur economic activities in the interconnected regions and in all the areas in between. Moreover, it will promote environmental sustainability and public health,” the President added.
Once the entirety of the NSCR is completed, Marcos said travel time from the Clark airport to Calamba will be reduced from four hours to just two hours.
It is expected to benefit up to 800,000 passengers per day.
The Department of Transportation earlier awarded CP S-02, worth almost P29 billion, to the joint venture of Acciona Construction Philippines Inc.—the local unit of a Spanish multinational—and D.M. Consunji Inc.
Meanwhile, the P23.92 billion CP S-03B was awarded in February to the joint venture of engineering giant First Balfour Inc. and Hong Kong-based Leighton Asia.
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