Historic Approval of North-South Commuter Railway
The Economy and Development Council, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has given the green light to the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Operations and Maintenance Project. This approval marks a significant milestone in the government’s initiative to modernize public transport and enhance connectivity across Luzon.
The NSCR project, approved under a public-private partnership, aims to transform regional travel in Central Luzon, Metro Manila, and Calabarzon. The 147-kilometer elevated railway will serve up to 800,000 passengers daily upon its launch, eventually accommodating one million commuters. This ambitious endeavor includes 31 elevated stations, three at-grade stations, and one underground station.
Efficient Train Services to Revolutionize Travel
The NSCR will operate two types of train services: commuter trains and Limited Express trains. The commuter trains will have 51 trainsets, each capable of carrying 2,242 passengers. Meanwhile, the Limited Express service will feature seven trainsets accommodating 386 passengers each. These services promise to drastically cut travel time by operating at speeds between 120 and 130 kilometers per hour, a marked improvement over the current average of 20 to 40 kilometers per hour.
One key benefit is the reduction of travel time from Clark to Calamba, which will shrink from four hours to approximately three hours on the commuter train. The express train will further shorten travel from Clark to Alabang to about two hours, streamlining the daily commute for many Filipinos.
Project Timeline and Cost Details
Pre-operations for the NSCR are set to begin in March 2026 and will continue until July 2027. The concession period for partial operations of Phase 1, covering Clark International Airport to Valenzuela with 13 stations, will start in December 2027 and last until September 2028. Phase 2 will extend services to Nichols, including an additional segment from Alabang to Calamba with 32 stations, running from October 2028 to December 2031.
Full operations are expected to commence in January 2032. The total estimated cost for the operations and maintenance contract is PHP 229.32 billion. This project remains a flagship infrastructure priority for the current administration, aiming to boost economic growth through improved transportation.
Local leaders noted that the North-South Commuter Railway will significantly ease congestion and support regional development. For more news and updates on the North-South Commuter Railway, visit Filipinokami.com.
