ADB prepares funding for PNR-Calamba railway

MANILA, Philippines — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is already preparing funding support for the PNR-Calamba project following the record bids received by the government.

In a statement, the Manila-based multilateral lender said it is now readying funding for consideration of its board of directors by the fourth quarter of this year.

The combined 40.5 kilometers of viaduct structures for the South Commuter Railway Project or the PNR-Calamba is one of ADB’s major flagship projects in the Philippines.

The $4.25-billion project is the country’s biggest loan from the ADB in the transport and road systems sector.

It is part of the expected $15 billion loan in the transport sector until 2023 and is included in ADB’s country operations business plan for the Philippines.

It is also linked to the Malolos–Clark Railway Project, another ADB-funded project approved in May that features a modern, elevated railway line that will connect northern provinces to Metro Manila.

Last week, the Department of Transportation received a record 34 bids from 23 local and international engineering and construction firms. The bids cover the contracts for the construction of elevated stations and a 22-hectare train depot.

ADB provided advisory services on the bidding process under its Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility.

“The successful bidding turnout reflects robust local and global interest and confidence in the Philippines’ Build Build Build infrastructure development program and for a strong post-pandemic economic recovery,” ADB country director Kelly Bird said.

“This transformative project will have substantial multiplier effects on the economy and regional development,” he said.

The PNR-Calamba project is a key component of the 147-kilometer North–South Commuter Railway system that will cut travel time from Clark to Calamba to just 1.5 hours from the current four hours.

The entire railway system is expected to carry up to one million passengers daily.