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Advocates Philippines
Clark-Calamba Train To Alleviate Metro Traffic Woes - Sen Mark Villar
Photo credit: PNR
Senator Mark Villar commended the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for its progress in the implementation of the 147-kilometer North South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project, asserting that the initiative will significantly impact commuters and address the notorious traffic congestion in Metro Manila.
Villar emphasized the transformative potential of the NSCR, labeling it as a "game-changer" capable of propelling economic progress. The railway will span from Calamba City in the south to New Clark City in the north, comprising 36 stations that connect key commerce hubs in the National Capital Region and provinces such as Laguna, Bulacan, and Pampanga.
One standout feature of the NSCR is its express train service, boasting speeds of 160 kilometers per hour and providing a swift link to the Clark International Airport, positioning it among the fastest trains in Southeast Asia.
Upon its projected completion in 2029, the NSCR is expected to utilize 304 trains and cater to approximately one million passengers daily, simultaneously generating employment opportunities for nearly 400,000 individuals.
Senator Villar also praised DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista's response to the TomTom Traffic Index report, acknowledging it as a challenge for the government to devise innovative solutions to the ongoing traffic issues in Metro Manila.
Highlighting the significance of a collaborative effort between the government and private sectors, Villar underscored the importance of untangling logistical complexities associated with colossal projects like the NSCR.
Drawing attention to potential obstacles, Villar acknowledged that the NSCR's efficient completion hinges on the expedited acquisition of rights-of-way (ROWs) along existing Philippine National Railway (PNR) lines. He emphasized the delicate balance required to address the interests of progress while considering the human and financial costs of resettling extensive informal settler communities.
DOTr Undersecretary for Rail Jeremy Regino disclosed that around 14,000 informal settler families are affected by the project. The government has outlined plans for socialized housing, relocation, and economic assistance packages to support affected families, with collaborative efforts from DOTr, local governments, housing agencies, and other line departments ensuring a comprehensive approach to addressing the concerns of those affected.
Villar emphasized the transformative potential of the NSCR, labeling it as a "game-changer" capable of propelling economic progress. The railway will span from Calamba City in the south to New Clark City in the north, comprising 36 stations that connect key commerce hubs in the National Capital Region and provinces such as Laguna, Bulacan, and Pampanga.
One standout feature of the NSCR is its express train service, boasting speeds of 160 kilometers per hour and providing a swift link to the Clark International Airport, positioning it among the fastest trains in Southeast Asia.
Upon its projected completion in 2029, the NSCR is expected to utilize 304 trains and cater to approximately one million passengers daily, simultaneously generating employment opportunities for nearly 400,000 individuals.
Senator Villar also praised DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista's response to the TomTom Traffic Index report, acknowledging it as a challenge for the government to devise innovative solutions to the ongoing traffic issues in Metro Manila.
Highlighting the significance of a collaborative effort between the government and private sectors, Villar underscored the importance of untangling logistical complexities associated with colossal projects like the NSCR.
Drawing attention to potential obstacles, Villar acknowledged that the NSCR's efficient completion hinges on the expedited acquisition of rights-of-way (ROWs) along existing Philippine National Railway (PNR) lines. He emphasized the delicate balance required to address the interests of progress while considering the human and financial costs of resettling extensive informal settler communities.
DOTr Undersecretary for Rail Jeremy Regino disclosed that around 14,000 informal settler families are affected by the project. The government has outlined plans for socialized housing, relocation, and economic assistance packages to support affected families, with collaborative efforts from DOTr, local governments, housing agencies, and other line departments ensuring a comprehensive approach to addressing the concerns of those affected.
Feb 21, 2024
