CLARK, Pampanga — The 147-kilometer North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) is being positioned as a major logistics link that could strengthen the Luzon Economic Corridor and support the expansion of manufacturing and semiconductor industries.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto made the statement Tuesday during an inspection of the ongoing NSCR Extension (NSCR-Ex) project, including the Clark Station, which is being built beneath the Clark International Airport complex.
Recto, accompanied by DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan and Assistant Secretary for Right of Way Acquisition for Rail and Road Irish Calaguas, inspected key facilities of the project on September 29.
As of August 2026, Contract Package N-04 had posted 87.34 percent overall progress, while the Clark Station was 73.29 percent complete.
The package involves approximately 6.5 kilometers of railway structures, including elevated sections, bridges, an underground tunnel connecting directly to the airport station and access to the main NSCR depot.
“Lahat ng ito ay 147 kilometers. It’s a major infrastructure, major logistics infra for the Luzon Economic Corridor,” Recto said.
He noted the need to expand manufacturing capabilities, particularly as semiconductor companies consider locating operations in Clark and other parts of the Luzon Economic Corridor.
Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez said the Marcos administration is determined to accelerate the project, stressing the need for close coordination among the DOTr, contractors, consultants, local governments and community leaders.
Batan said the NSCR will have an airport express service featuring seven trains capable of speeds of up to 160 kph. The government is targeting a nonstop Clark-to-Makati trip of 55 minutes.
The first partial operations, covering 28 kilometers and seven stations between Valenzuela and Malolos, are targeted for the end of 2027. The additional 53 kilometers from Malolos to Clark are expected to be completed in the second half of 2028.
Recto said the administration is also addressing previous implementation delays and ensuring financial support for the project.
Once completed, the NSCR is expected to provide faster rail connectivity, ease pressure on major roads and reduce commuting costs.
