PNR North-South Railway Project back on track after almost 30 years

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has announced that, after almost three decades, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project is now back on track. The Government agency has further announced that Clark Phase 1 which is part of the overall NSCR project is already at 45.82% complete and is progressing at a steady pace.

The 38-kilometer stretch of railway line reportedly can accommodate 300,000 passengers daily and will significantly shorten the commuting time from Malolos to Manila. The DOTr says that from the regular 1-hour 30-minute commute, the railway line will decrease it down to just 35 minutes.

Meanwhile, Clark Phase 2 that stretches from Clark, Pampanga to Malolos, Bulacan is also expected to lower the commuting time of travelers by the same amount. Once these new segments are complete it will be easier for commuters to travel from the northern to the southern parts of Luzon. 

Aside from the Clark Phase 1 and 2 segments, the railway will also feature a 54-kilometer  airport express rail line which will be able to take travelers from the Clark International Airport to Makati in Metro Manila in just 55 minutes. 

To further make traveling from the north to the south much easier, Clark Phase 1 and 2 will also link up with Calamba Phase 3 with a new 56-kilometer segment. This will connect Tutuban to the Calamba line of the PNR and subsequently to the rest of the NSCR project.

The DOTr has stated that once this 148-kilometer long project is completed, it will not only shorten the travel time of commuters but will also add comfort and convenience to the riding public.