The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that the Manila to Malolos segment of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) is expected to begin operations by late 2026 or early 2027—a key milestone in one of the country’s largest infrastructure initiatives under the “Build Better More” program.
Transportation secretary Vince Dizon emphasized the commercial and logistical importance of completing the NSCR, noting that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the acceleration of rail projects to ease traffic congestion in and around Metro Manila and drive regional economic growth. “With the trains from Calamba to Clark, it will change the way people live and commute,” Dizon said.
The entire Manila to Clark route is currently over 50 percent complete, and officials aim for full operation before the end of the Marcos administration. The NSCR, spanning 148 kilometers with 37 stations and 464 train cars, is designed to carry over 800,000 passengers daily across 26 cities and municipalities in Central Luzon, NCR, and Calabarzon.
The rail line is expected to cut travel time between Clark and Calamba from four hours to under two, enhancing the mobility of workers, businesses, and goods. According to DOTr, the project will not only reduce road congestion but also contribute to job creation, lower transport costs, and support a more sustainable urban transport system.
