NEWS

By Myla Iglesias | Malaya | July 15, 2021

Photo credit: Coconuts Manila

The Philippine National Railways (PNR) Calamba project is expected to create over 10,000 direct jobs once its construction starts by 2022, according to Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade,

Tugade said the bids for the civil works of the project depot were opened yesterday while the awarding is expected within three to four months, before proceeding with the mobilization works.

The 56-kilometer PNR Calamba is the third segment of the massive North-South Commuter Railway project. It will connect Metro Manila (Solis street, Tondo) and Calamba, Laguna thus reducing travel time from the current four hours to just one hour.

During the inspection of the PNR Banlic depot in Calamba, Tugade said the project will provide employment opportunities not only for Calamba residents but also its nearby areas.

The PNR Calamba project will also benefit employees and students as the rail line is expected to significantly cut travel time going to and from workplaces and schools, enabling them to spend more time with their families, he added.

He also said completion of the PNR Calamba will boost local and regional economic development.

The railway project is expected to serve at least 340,000 passengers a day during its partial operations in 2025, and ridership is expected to increase up to 550,000 passengers upon full operation in 2028.

Funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and with the official development assistance from the Asian Development Bank, PNR Calamba will have 19 stations located across five cities in Metro Manila and six cities in Laguna.

Source: Malaya