Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has fast-tracked the construction of the Manila-Laguna segment of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to expedite key infrastructure projects. Demolition of old Philippine National Railways (PNR) stations from Sta. Mesa in Manila to Cabuyao, Laguna is being conducted simultaneously to accelerate viaduct construction.
Lopez emphasized the importance of coordinated demolition efforts, which involve support from local governments. Key officials, including Undersecretary Timothy John Batan and Muntinlupa Mayor Rozzano Rufino Biazon, led demolitions in Alabang and other areas, with Assistant Secretary Eddan Macabulos overseeing Bicutan station’s removal.
The P874-billion NSCR project, spanning 148 km with 37 stations across 26 cities and municipalities, is expected to significantly decongest Metro Manila and benefit around 800,000 daily commuters once fully operational by 2032. Partial operations between Malolos and Valenzuela are set to begin in 2027. Right-of-way issues in the southern section are projected to be resolved by 2026.
