The North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) system is expected to provide speedier transactions, create more quality time, and improve the quality of life for all, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Thursday.
Marcos made the remark during the ceremonial contract signing for the NSCR Project – South Commuter Section CPs S-02 and S-03b at the President’s Hall in Malacañang, putting all phases of the NSCR system in full swing.
“The completion of the full NSCR line will bring greater convenience for our commuters. It will offer an efficient and comfortable transport alternative that spans the great distance, connecting Pampanga to Manila and then to Laguna,” Marcos said.
Aside from decongesting Metro Manila’s main thoroughfares, he said, the railway system would also spur economic activities in the interconnected regions, and the areas in between, as well as promote environmental sustainability and public health.
He said more jobs shall also be generated by these rail projects.
“As the civil works for these contract packages commence, we expect not only the generation of more than 2,000 jobs but also the creation of other opportunities and livelihood during its construction,” the President said.
Under the administration’s “Build Better More” program, the NSCR System, with a total project cost of PHP873.62 billion, is a 147.26-km. railway project that will connect Clark, Pampanga and Calamba City, Laguna.
The whole system will have 35 stations and three depots composed of the original NSCR Project: Malolos-Clark Railway Project (MCRP), and the South Commuter Railway Project (SCRP). CPs S-02 and S-03b are part of the SCRP.
Once completed in 2029, the entire NSCR system could reduce the travel time between Clark International Airport and Calamba City, Laguna from four hours to two hours.
It is projected to accommodate 800,000 passengers a day.
The NSCR System will be co-financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Marcos thanked the ADB and JICA for supporting the Philippine government’s infrastructure priorities, as their support has been instrumental to provide safe, sustainable, and efficient public transportation for the people.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Acciona-DMCI Joint Venture, the Leighton-First Balfour Joint Venture, and the efforts of local government units involved. (PNA)
