Work starts on $3-billion North-South Rail project

The USD3 billion worth North-South Rail Commuter Railway project (NSRC), funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has already begun in construction, this according to and being led by, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the local government officials of Marilao and Bocaue, Bulacan.

The site has already begun be be cleared. Grading of unleveled surfaces and the demolition of structures in the way of the NSCR will soon follow.

The NSCR is expected to be over 37 kilometers long.

This project is one of the main projects under the Roadmap for Transport Infrastructure Development Study for Metro Manila and its Surrounding Areas conducted by the National Economic Development.

Along with this, the DOTr also already took note of the railway stations to be installed and constructed. They will be stationed in Marilao, Meycauayan in Bulacan, and Valenzuela, Caloocan and Tutuban in Metro Manila.

The project being funded by JICA is also being supervised in construction by NS Tren, a consortium by Oriental Consultants Global.

The DOTr also partnered with local government units (LGUs) in order to expedite the process of clearing the way.

Once completed, the railway is expected to massively cut the travel time from Malolo, Bulacan to Tutuban, Manila from 2 hours via bus or vans, to 35 minutes using the railway.

“We will continue supporting the Philippine government’s efforts to ensure that the future generation reaps the benefit of an integrated, seamless, and resilient transport infrastructure system through the NSCR project,” said JICA Chief Representative Susumu Ito.

“In the future, we are confident that this project, once completed, will help improve mobility and connectivity of emerging growth centers near Metro Manila while also creating jobs and attracting investments in other areas,” Ito added.

***

Source: Manila Bulletin