The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is targeting to connect Clark International Airport in Pampanga to Malanday in Valenzuela City by 2029 through the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), with the project set to open in phases.
DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan said the initial 27-kilometer segment, comprising seven stations, is scheduled to begin operations by the end of 2027. The next phase will extend the line by 53 kilometers from Malolos, Bulacan, to Clark airport, with opening targeted between late 2028 and early 2029.
The update followed an inspection of key NSCR facilities by the DOTr, members of the House of Representatives and officials of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the government was working with Congress and project partners to deliver a reliable and safe commuter rail system.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the agency to accelerate construction to improve daily travel for commuters in northern and southern Luzon.
Railway to connect Central Luzon, Metro Manila and Calabarzon
The 147.26-kilometer NSCR will have 35 stations across 30 local government units, connecting Clark International Airport to Calamba, Laguna.
The system is designed to serve about 800,000 passengers daily and reduce end-to-end travel time from more than four hours to two hours once fully operational.
The railway will use 51 commuter train sets and seven express train sets dedicated to direct airport services. All eight cars of the fourth train set have been delivered and stationed at the Malanday Depot in Valenzuela City, according to the DOTr.
The inspection covered operations control centers at Clark and Malanday depots, as well as track and platform construction at Balagtas Station in Bulacan. Lawmakers also tested a train simulator and viewed the electric multiple-unit train sets at Malanday.
Full operations targeted by 2033
Under the updated schedule, the railway's southern segment from Alabang in Muntinlupa City to Calamba is targeted to begin operations by 2031. The central section connecting Valenzuela and Alabang is scheduled for full operations by 2033.
The project is jointly financed by the Japanese government through JICA and the Asian Development Bank.
House Committee on Flagship Programs and Projects Chairman Rep. Kenneth Gatchalian pledged congressional support for the project and its implementation targets.
Once completed, the NSCR is expected to improve connectivity between major urban centers, employment hubs and transport gateways across Luzon, including direct rail access to Clark International Airport.
