CONSTRUCTION
ADB supports South Commuter Railway Project with $4.3B loan By Marcelle P. Villegas
A
financial assistance package of up to $4.3-billion loan was recently approved by the Asian Development Bank to support the construction of a 55km suburban railway that will connect Metro Manila with the City of Calamba in Laguna province. This is currently ADB’s largest infrastructure financing project in Asia and the Pacific region. The South Commuter Railway Project is part of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) network. The project aims to provide commuters a fast public transport and a reduction in traffic congestion. In the bigger picture, this project addresses the climate change problem since this transportation alternative will help reduce greenhouse gases emitted by motor vehicles. Therefore, the project conforms with the Philippine climate change agenda. From a report published by Philippine News Agency, “The project follows ADB’s financing of the Malolos-Clark Railway line north of the capital, for which construction is ongoing.” [1] ADB Vice-President for East Asia and Southeast Asia and the
Pacific, Ahmed Saeed stated: “The South Commuter Railway Project will provide affordable, safe, reliable, and fast public transport for commuters.” “This project represents ADB’s biggest infrastructure investment and reflects our commitment to helping the Philippines attain its goals of reducing poverty, improving the lives of Filipinos, and achieving green, resilient, and high economic growth.” The design of this railway project will be disaster-resilient and can hold out against natural disasters like earthquakes and strong typhoons, the ADB said. The railway’s elevated design will make it possible to avoid disruptions of floodings in the route in case of heavy rains. Eighteen (18) stations will be constructed to deliver convenience and safe accessibility for the elderly, people with disabilities, children, and others. There will also be connecting tunnels that will facilitate direct trains from Calamba to Metro Manila for future projects, the bank added. Will this railway project help commuters travel faster? Reports say the project is expected to cut the usual travel time of 2.5 hours between Manila and Calamba in half.
WWW.PHILIPPINE-RESOURCES.COM • ISSUE 2 2022
The City of Calamba is a firstclass city in the province of Laguna. According to a 2020 census, it has a population of 539,671 people, making it the most densely populated local government unit in Laguna. Calamba is located 50 km (31 mi) south of Manila. Other than providing convenience and shorter travel time for commuters, the NSCR aims to further boost the country’s economic recovery from the pandemic. The project’s construction will bring job opportunities, both permanent and temporary work. ADB supports the Department of Transportation (DOTr) through the Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility. ADB’s load will assist the development and projects of DOTr. Beginning this year, the South Commuter Railway Project will be financed with $1.75 billion, the first tranche of the multi-tranche financing facility (MFF). The second the third tranches are expected to be released in 2024 and 2026. The coverage of ADB’s financing support includes civil works for the railway viaduct, stations, bridges, tunnels, and depot buildings. Supporting this project, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will fund the rolling stock and railway systems.
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