The Philippine government’s North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) System is poised to move forward with its operations and maintenance (O&M) following a series of successful market sounding activities that have attracted a high volume of interest from international firms.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to seek partnerships with experienced global rail companies for the project’s O&M. This directive was met with a robust turnout from interested parties during the fourth and final leg of the market sounding roadshow in Japan.
Transportation Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan noted the enthusiastic participation of 28 Japanese companies, including major industry players such as Mitsubishi Corp., Hitachi Ltd., Tokyo Metro, Sumitomo Corp., and Alstom Japan.
“We’re very happy to see the attendance in this fourth leg of our O&M roadshow. It only goes to show that we are on the right direction in terms of structuring and developing this O&M concession,” Undersecretary Batan said. “Parties will only attend and continue participating if they see that it’s a good project being put out together.”
Following the conclusion of the roadshow, which also included stops in Singapore, France, and Manila, the DOTr will consolidate the feedback from all participants. This input will be incorporated into the final bidding documents and concession agreement. The official tender for the O&M concession is expected to be launched and published by the end of September or the first week of October.
