Clark NSCR, Mabalacat depot progress allows fast-tracking of extension — DoTr

THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) said the North South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Extension project can now be fast-tracked after hitting certain milestones at the rail line’s Clark segment and Mabalacat depot.

In a statement on Monday, the DoTr said the milestones include the installation of the first main support beam for the Clark segment and the start of rail welding at the Mabalacat depot.

It said that the installation of the initial girder will facilitate the installation of massive girders, while the rail welding will lead to the installation and connecting permanent rail across project sites.

The Clark segment or the Contract Package N-04 involves civil engineering works for about 6.5 kilometers of railway track structure which includes the rail line’s underground station at Clark International Airport.

This also covers the construction of the elevated viaduct and bridge, as well as the underground tunnel to Clark airport.

The 147-kilometer NSCR will connect Malolos, Bulacan with Clark International Airport, and Tutuban, Manila with Calamba, Laguna. The P873-billion project is co-financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Asian Development Bank. It will have 35 stations and three depots. 

Full operations are expected by January 2032; partial operations on the Malolos to Valenzuela segment are projected by December 2027; operations on the Clark to West Valenzuela segment are expected by October 2028.

The DoTr is also bidding out the NSCR’s operations and maintenance contract, which it expects to award within the year.  — Ashley Erika O. Jose