Macapagal

ONE of the most promising assets of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is the newly appointed Chairman of the Philippine National Railways (PNR), Michael Macapagal. Although he was appointed only last May 2, Macapagal is already off to a great start as seen in the most recent project to be undertaken by the PNR under his watch.

Last week, Macapagal announced the start of the construction of the 147-kilometer NorthSouth Commuter Railway Project of the PNR. This railway project will connect the Clark commercial hub in Pampanga to Metropolitan Manila, and on to Calamba City in Laguna. Macapagal said the Asian Development Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency provided the money for the P873-billion undertaking. He is optimistic the investment is worthwhile because of the economic benefits a railway of this kind will bring to the country and the people. More specifically, travel time will be greatly reduced, which translates to less expenses for everyone. This way, employment opportunities will be available to provinces within the peripheries of Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas and Laguna. The project consists of an elevated railway for commuters, and another at ground-level for cargo and freight. There will be three depots built at strategic points. More than 30 passenger terminals located at key areas of the route will make rail travel convenient and economical.

Acciona-DMCI and Leighton-First Balfour, both reputable engineering firms, won the contract for the construction of the railway project.

Japanese establishments Sumitomo Corporation and the Japan Transport Engineering Company have been contracted to supply the railway trains.

The contemplated fleet will consist of 13 electric trains, each consisting of more than a dozen coaches. Macapagal expects when the railway project is