Faster Travel from Manila to Clark Airport
Traveling from Manila to Clark Airport in Pampanga will soon take only about 45 minutes thanks to the North-South Commuter Railway project. Officials reported that this ambitious infrastructure plan is expected to be completed by 2032, promising a major boost to regional connectivity.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno shared this update after leading clearing operations along Old Antipolo Road in Manila, a key step toward the railway’s construction. Community members noted the excitement surrounding the project’s potential to transform daily commutes.
Key Benefits of the North-South Commuter Railway
Mayor Moreno emphasized how the North-South Commuter Railway will significantly cut travel time. “Want to ride the airport to Clark? This is no exaggeration. On a good day, the people of Manila, I [can] just ride the Solis Station. I’m carrying my suitcase. The next stop I’ll get off at is right inside the Clark Airport. I won’t ride again, straight, I’ll be in Clark,” he said in Filipino.
He added that the project will greatly improve daily transport convenience for Manila’s residents and future generations. “On a daily basis, the people of Manila will benefit from the ease of transport. Since we have access in the coming future, our children will have a better transport system,” Moreno noted partially in Filipino.
Shorter Commutes Within Metro Manila
Transportation Secretary Dizon echoed these sentiments, highlighting that commuters traveling between Solis, Buendia, and Magallanes stations will enjoy trips lasting around 15 minutes. “For our countrymen here, assuming someone works in Makati, just walk a little to Solis, get off at Buendia, get off at Magallanes. It’s very easy… maybe less than 15 minutes. So this is really a big deal,” he said in Filipino.
While the entire 190-kilometer North-South Commuter Railway from Clark to Calamba is slated for completion in 2032, officials reported confidence that the segment from Solis to Blumentritt stations in Manila will be ready by 2028. “I’m confident that by 2028, this from Solis to Blumentritt will be completed,” Dizon added.
Innovative Flood Control and Bike Lanes Planned
In addition to transport benefits, the project will include flood control measures and bike lanes beneath the elevated railway. Transportation officials said Mayor Moreno requested these features to enhance safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.
“Now, I will announce that Yorme has requested that we have approved, the one under the railway, because our railway is elevated. So the one under the railway, we will build additional flood control there,” Dizon said in Filipino. He further explained that above the flood control infrastructure, a bike lane and pedestrian lane will provide safe passage for locals.
Plans also include mini parks at road level, funded by the transportation department, to enrich community spaces along the route.
Right-of-Way Adjustments Preserve Homes and Institutions
After a two-year delay caused by right-of-way issues, the project is back on track with an adjusted corridor that minimizes impact on local structures. Officials reported that the narrowed right-of-way will save over 50 houses, schools, and even a church along Old Antipolo Road.
“We can save all the houses here. Even the church, we can save that. In the original plan, we were going to cut down all the houses here,” Dizon said. “But now, because of our help with Yorme, Yorme’s suggestion, our engineers have found a solution that no longer requires us to demolish the houses and the various other structures.”
Mayor Moreno expressed relief for affected residents. “We are happy. When I go from house to house there, I can say, ‘you can sleep soundly. Nothing will happen to you,’ which I think is very important in community participation. When there is a big project, when the community is involved and they have assurance or some level of assurance, I think you will have the support of the community,” he said.
For more news and updates on North-South Commuter Railway, visit Filipinokami.com.
