MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is pushing to fast-track the construction of Philippine National Railways (PNR) Clark Phases 1 and 2 to meet their target start of operations.
The 38-kilometer PNR Clark Phase 1, which runs from Tutuban in Manila to Malolos in Bulacan, is the first segment of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR). Overall progress rate is at 43 percent, with construction phase rate of 11.78 percent as of end-January.
It is expected to cut travel time between Tutuban and Malolos from one hour and 30 minutes to just 35 minutes, increasing railway capacity to 330,000 passengers daily, according to the DOTr.
“This will be partially operable by the fourth quarter of 2021 and full operations in the second quarter of 2024,” PNR general manager Junn Magno said.
Meanwhile, the 53-km PNR Clark Phase 2 from Malolos to Clark in Pampanga has an overall progress rate of 27.79 percent as of end-January.
Once completed, travel time between Bulacan and Pampanga will be reduced from the current one hour and 30 minutes to just 35 minutes. It can accommodate 150,000 passengers daily as the country’s first airport express service.
This second segment of the NSCR would be partially operational by the second quarter of 2023, while full operation is eyed by the third quarter of 2024.
The last NSCR segment is PNR Calamba, a 56-km line that runs from Solis, Manila to Calamba, Laguna, and cuts travel time from three hours to just one hour.