The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced today that it is actively seeking experienced international and private sector partners to manage the operations and maintenance (O&M) of the new 147-kilometer North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) system. This initiative aims to attract global expertise and encourage competition to ensure the project’s long-term success.
During a recent market sounding event, Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan emphasized that the country’s railway industry is “open for business,” noting significant interest from various countries with extensive rail networks.
“We hope that those who are considering coming for the first time in the Philippines receive the message that we are open for business to anyone, from anywhere in the world,” Undersecretary Batan said at the event, which was held at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) headquarters and attended by 22 foreign and local companies.
The NSCR, a critical infrastructure project, is designed to provide a transformative solution to urban traffic congestion, giving back valuable time to Filipino commuters. The new railway will reduce travel time from Clark International Airport in Pampanga to Calamba in Laguna from four hours to less than three hours.
Once fully operational, the 35-station railway system is expected to serve 750,000 passengers daily and generate 350,000 jobs during its construction and operation phases.
