Photo credit: PNR

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has praised the crucial contributions of local government units (LGUs) and private sector partners towards the swift completion of the North South Commuter Railway system (NSCR).

DOTr Undersecretary for Rail Transportation, Jeremy Regino, emphasized the "indispensable" roles of LGUs and private firms, citing their significant impact on the Southern Tagalog region's economy.

Speaking at the inauguration of the project site office in Santa Rosa, Laguna, Regino highlighted the pivotal role of LGUs as primary beneficiaries and key actors in expediting the NSCR project. He stressed the project's transformative impact on the region, stating that "the region will never be the same again" once the NSCR is completed.

Regino specifically acknowledged the support of LGUs in expediting the right-of-way (ROW) acquisition, emphasizing its critical importance for the project's progress. He urged further acceleration of ROW acquisition, stating that swift handovers to partners would expedite the overall project timeline.

Highlighting the international collaboration, Regino commended Hyundai Engineering and Construction of Korea for their historic involvement in the project. The firm, in a joint venture with Dong-Ah Geological Engineering Company, is undertaking three sections of the southern portion of the NSCR, connecting Calamba, Laguna to Metro Manila.

Regino praised Hyundai's commitment, emphasizing their regular site visits and dedication to meeting high-quality standards. He urged other private sector partners to follow Hyundai's example and expressed gratitude for their significant contributions.

The NSCR project, spanning 147 kilometers from Calamba to New Clark City, includes the construction of 36 stations and an express train service to Clark International Airport. Funded by loans from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Asian Development Bank, the project aims to reduce commuter travel time by 50 percent once completed.