CLARK (PIA) — Department of Transportation (DOTr) stressed that the commencement of civil works for the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project segment in Clark is proof that the government’s Build Build Build program is no fluke.
In his message read by Undersecretary Giovanni Lopez during the inspection of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) Clark Phase 2 project, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the activity only proves the promising progress of the railway project.
“A month ago, we were only discussing about the progress of the PNR Clark Phase 2 until out of the blue we have decided to inspect and showcase it to Filipinos…Our presence here is not to blabber and talk but to prove that the Duterte administration’s Build Build Build infrastructure program…is not just Talk Talk Talk or Drawing Drawing Drawing, but rather, it is Action Action Action,” Tugade said.
The DOTr chief said the project is a realization of a dream to offer fast, safe, efficient, and reliable transport to all stakeholders while supporting economic growth in the provinces.
This, he said, will cut the cost of doing business, attract investments, spur the local economy, and enhance productivity.
Tugade added that it will also generate direct and indirect employment opportunities for locals, OFWs, and transport workers affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I’ve been stressing this and I want to make sure that under the Build Build Build, we shall prioritize the employment of former Overseas Filipino Workers and transport workers to guarantee the inclusivity of this project,” he said.
He also said that more than providing comfort and convenience, NSCR will bring new life, is sizable, will create new ground, and is rapid.
Once operational, PNR Clark 2 will cut travel time from Malolos to Clark from the current 1.5 to 2 hours, to just 30-35 minutes. It has six stations namely Calumpit, Apalit, San Fernando, Angeles, Clark, and Clark International Airport.
This project is part of the massive 147-km NSCR, which will have 35 stations, and shall operate 464 train cars, with 58 8-car train sets configuration.
As of July 2021, PNR Clark Phase 2 recorded an overall progress rate of 32 percent, while PNR Clark Phase 1 (Tutuban to Malolos segment), is now 48 percent complete.
PNR Clark project features the country’s first-ever airport railway express service, which aims to unlock economic growth and employment potentials of Central Luzon.