DOTr: NSCR Clark station 73.29% complete

The underground station of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) at the Clark International Airport (CRK) is now 73.29% complete, on target to government’s goal of partially opening it by end of 2027.

Contract Package N-04 of the North-South Commuter Railway Extension (NSCR-Ex) Project, covering around 6.5 kilometers of rail track, reported 87.34% overall progress as of August, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

The contract package will become the country’s first modern underground station at the Clark airport, the first underground rail station in the Philippines connected to an airport.

It also covers an elevated viaduct and bridges, an underground tunnel leading directly to the airport station, and at-grade access to the main NSCR depot.

“We are on track for our first partial operations by the end of 2027. That’s the first 28 kilometers, seven stations, from Valenzuela to Malolos,” DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan said.

“After Malolos, an additional 53 kilometers to Clark by the second half of 2028. And one of the first segments that will be finished is this Clark Station going to Angeles City.” Batan said government is acquiring 51 eight-car trainsets for the line, along with seven airport express trains capable of running at up to 160 kilometers per hour.

“One of our key elements is our airport express service… (The trains will be) connecting our Clark Airport to Makati non-stop in 55 minutes. That is our target,” he said.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto noted that the administration is fully backing the project financially to speed up construction and ensure its uninterrupted delivery.

Recto described the 147-kilometer railway as “a major logistics backbone” for the Luzon Economic Corridor, noting that the country needs to build up its manufacturing base.

“We need an additional leg in our stool. We need to develop more manufacturing capabilities. Meron tayong mga semiconductors na gustong ilipat dito sa Clark at sa buong Luzon Economic Corridor,” he said.

Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez said the President wants the project completed, stressing the need for close coordination among the agency, its partners and local government units (LGUs).

“This is not simply for DOTr. This is not simply for our Cabalens or kababayans. This is for the entire Filipino people,” Lopez said. “We need our contractors, consultants, and DOTr to work in lockstep with our LGUs and local leaders. Strong LGU collaboration is vital in resolving site challenges smoothly, ensuring local community support, and keeping construction unhindered from start to finish.”

Once completed, the NSCR-Ex is expected to decongest major roads, lower commuting costs, and provide a reliable transport alternative for commuters and workers.