The Philippine Star

PNR Clark Phase 1, 2 completion on track – DOTr

- By RICHMOND MERCURIO

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 NorthSouth 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.

 ??  ?? PNR Clark Phase 1, which runs from Tutuban in Manila to Malolos in Bulacan, is expected to be partially operationa­l by the fourth quarter of this year.
PNR Clark Phase 1, which runs from Tutuban in Manila to Malolos in Bulacan, is expected to be partially operationa­l by the fourth quarter of this year.

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