Work starts on P16.9-B Calamba train depot of North-South railway
MANILA, Philippines — Construction of the P16.9-billion train depot of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project in Calamba, Laguna, is now underway and is set to be completed in 2028.
On Thursday, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) broke ground for Banlic Depot, a 24.5-hectare facility designed to include a control center, stabling yard, maintenance shop, and other ancillary buildings.
“We mark the significant progress since June last year in land development and other preparatory works such as geotechnical investigation, fencing, clearing, erecting temporary project site offices and access roads,” Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista told reporters.
“For residents of Banlic and adjacent communities, the NSCR will not only enhance connectivity but also transform their socioeconomic status by providing rapid mobility for people and goods,” Bautista said.
READ: PNR: Laguna to Pampanga North-South Commuter Railway done in 2028
The P873.62-billion NSCR System, which is designed to serve 800,000 passengers daily, has 35 stations covering 28 local government units from Pampanga to Laguna.
The railway project is estimated to have generated 50,000 direct jobs and 110,000 indirect jobs during construction. Additional 8,000 jobs are seen to be created when the railway is fully operational.
30-year rail master plan
The DOTr is working with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the major railway infrastructure, having signed a transaction advisory service agreement last year. ADB is tasked with preparing and conducting market consultation; assisting in discussion with key stakeholders, as needed; and facilitating capacity building, among others.
Partial operations for the segment that links western Valenzuela to Malolos are expected to service passengers by the second quarter of 2027.
The entire railway is targeted to be completed by the third quarter of 2029.
READ: DOTr, Jica to wrap up rail master plan by year-end
Along with this, the DOTr and Japan International Cooperation Agency are crafting a 30-year rail master plan that covers the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon.
The vision is to improve connectivity and make the train commuting experience on par with Tokyo, Shanghai, and Seoul through the establishment of railway networks by 2055.
The transportation department seeks to increase rail passenger trips and double the average distance of all trips within one hour during peak rush hour, among others.
The country’s pipeline of train projects include the Panay Railway, North Mindanao Railway, San Mateo Railway, Metro Manila Subway and Light Rail Transit Line 1 Cavite Extension.
