SUBIC BAY, ZAMBALES — The ground-breaking ceremony for the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) System’s Banlic Depot in Calamba, Laguna, commenced on Thursday, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said.
The land development and other preparatory works for the NSCR Banlic Depot began in 2023.
READ: PNR: Laguna to Pampanga North-South Commuter Railway done in 2028
Covering an area of 24.5 hectares, the DOTr said that the features of the project include a control center, stabling yard, maintenance shop, and other ancillary buildings.
The P16.9 billion contract package is targeted to be completed in 2028.
“We mark the significant progress since June last year in land development and other preparatory works such as geotechnical investigation, fencing, clearing, erecting temporary project site offices and access roads,” said Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista during the ceremony, as quoted in a statement.
“For residents of Banlic and adjacent communities, the NSCR will not only enhance connectivity but also transform their socio-economic status by providing rapid mobility for people and goods,” he also said.
The 147-kilometer NSCR System is co-financed by the Asian Development Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
It is expected to connect Metro Manila, Pampanga, Bulacan, and Laguna once operational, reduce travel time from Clark, Pampanga, to Calamba, Laguna, by less than two hours, and accommodate 800,000 passengers daily.