The Philippine National Railways’ (PNR) Clark Phase 2 project is expected to bring out more jobs and boost economic growth in Central Luzon once completed, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) guaranteed.
PNR Clark Phase 2 forms part of the massive 147-kilometer North-South Commuter Rail Project (NSCR) line, which will connect Malolos, Bulacan to Clark, Pampanga.
“The DOTr has always aimed to revitalize the country’s economy. A transport infrastructure project like the NSCR will spur economic growth in Central Luzon, particularly the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga,” Tugade noted.
Apart from the 7,000 direct jobs that opened during the construction phase of the PNR Clark Phase 2, around 3,000 more job opportunities will be generated once the project becomes operational.
The Malolos to Clark rail line is also expected to shorten the travel time between Bulacan and Pampanga from at least two hours to just 30 to 35 minutes. It will also feature the country’s first-ever Airport Railway Express Service, which will connect Makati to the Clark International Airport in just 55 minutes, from the current two to three hours.
“The Malolos to Clark Railway of the NSCR aims to cut travel time between Malolos, Bulacan and Clark, Pampanga, from 1.5 to 2 hours, to just 30 to 35 minutes. It also features the country’s first-ever Airport Railway Express Service, which will connect Makati to the Clark International Airport in just 55 minutes, from the current two to three hours,” DOTr Sec. Tugade said.
The estimated time of construction of the project is around 3 years.
It is also the biggest project to be undertaken so far under the “Build, Build, Build” Program of the administration with a total cost of P777.55-billion and one of the key infrastructure railway projects supported by Japan, aside from the Metro Manila Subway and the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 rehabilitation projects.
Image Source: DOtr.
Additional News: Malaya, ADB
