The completion of the P150-billion Philippine National Railways (PNR) Clark Phase 2 project has been delayed to June 2025 from the earlier target of October 24 due to certain issues.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the agency is in talks with the project’s contractor, POSCO Engineering & Construction, to iron out some issues and ensure the completion of the project at the soonest possible time.
“This is a very important part of the NSCR [North-South Commuter Railway] , considering the operations control center of the project will be located here. The operations control center is the heart of the operations,” Bautista said during a site visit at the PNR Clark Phase 2 in Mabalacat, Pampanga.
During the site inspection of the Clark Depot of the Clark Phase 2 segment (Malolos to Clark), POSCO cited the delayed turnover of the land as among the reasons that have derailed the completion of the project.
As of December last year, more than 33 percent of the planned construction has been completed.
Bautista has committed to complete the project within the timeline they set and promised to President Bongbong Marcos.
“It is important that we complete this as planned and on time. I know that there are issues that need to be resolved. The DOTr will work closely with [the contractor], so we can fix problems and address issues [about the project],” he said.
PNR Clark Phase 2 is the second leg of the NSCR project, which aims to link cities and municipalities in Central Luzon with Metro Manila, and help boost economic activity in nearby provinces.
Once completed, the 53-kilometer rail line is expected to reduce travel time between Malolos, Bulacan and Clark, Pampanga from 1.5 hours to just 30 minutes.