PNR is ceasing operation in certain lines to make way for construction of the NSCR

The North-South Commuter Railway is currently the biggest project on the Phillipine National Railway’s plate right now, and when it’s complete, it’s expected to significantly reduce travel time from Clark to Calamba. While it’s undergoing construction however, we have to brace for the changes that will inevitably happen. 

On Friday, February 17, the management of the Philippine National Railway announced that it will be ending train lines service from Gov. Pascual in the City of Malabon to Calamba, Laguna in order to make way for construction of the NSCR. Operations could potentially stop as early as May, three months from now.

PNR management explained that the Malabon-Calamba route is being closed since NSCR tracks and posts will be constructed in the area. The good news in all of this is that closing the route is expected to advance construction progress of the NSCR by approximately eight months. 

In addition, PNR management has also announced that by the end of May 2023, PNR’s Calamba-Alabang route will be closed off as well, while the Tutuban-Alabang route is schedule to stop operating in October. According to the DOTr, these changes should help save the government around P15.18 billion along with the benefit of faster completion of the NSCR project.

The North-South Commuter Railway’s target completion date is in 2026, hopefully, these current changes will help authorities in meeting this target.