The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has reached two major milestones in the North–South Commuter Railway Extension (NSCR-Ex), signaling faster progress for one of the country’s biggest transport projects.
Construction teams have installed the first major support beam, or girder, for the Clark segment of the railway, allowing the public to now see large structures rising along the route. The project also marked its first rail welding at the Mabalacat Depot, a key step before permanent train tracks can be laid and connected across the line.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the milestones show the government’s push to fast-track the project under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive. He stressed that close coordination among contractors, consultants, national agencies, and local governments is essential to finish the railway on time.
The Clark segment of the NSCR-Ex covers about 6.5 kilometers and includes elevated tracks, bridges, tunnels, and an underground station at Clark International Airport. Local government units in Pampanga are helping by assisting with right-of-way issues and coordinating with affected communities.
Once completed, the NSCR Extension is expected to ease road traffic, cut travel time and transport costs, and provide a safer and more comfortable commute for workers and families. The project is also seen to boost the local economy, especially by supporting businesses and improving access to jobs and airports in Central Luzon.
