Photo credit: DOTr

The Balagtas station in Bulacan, a key part of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project, is almost ready for action.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista proudly announced that the station is nearly 95% complete. He expects the finishing touches, including the installation of other station facilities, to be wrapped up by the first quarter of 2025.

During his inspection, Bautista highlighted the cutting-edge, eco-friendly roofing materials being used at the station. "These state-of-the-art, environment-friendly materials are different from other stations," he said, noting the unique features that set Balagtas apart.

The roof at the station's platform is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane, a material commonly seen in Japan's train stations. Known for its high resistance to temperature extremes, chemical corrosion, and ease of maintenance, the PTFE membrane is a game-changer. This is the first time such a material is being used in any railway station in the Philippines.

One of the standout features of this roofing membrane is its lightweight and flexible nature, combined with its light transmission property. This means the translucent roof can let in natural light, brightening up the platform during the day without the need for electrical lighting.

"This is really part of what we call the railway renaissance in the Philippines," Sec. Bautista added, emphasizing the broader vision behind the NSCR project.

The 180-meter-long Balagtas station will boast a range of modern facilities, including a concourse and platform, two elevators, six escalators, and gender-inclusive amenities such as accessibility features for persons with disabilities (PWD) and senior citizens.

In addition to the Balagtas station, Bautista also checked on the progress of the 14-hectare NSCR Malanday depot, which houses four major buildings and the NSCR's Operation Control Center (OCC). As of the end of June 2024, the depot is 72.1% complete.