JICA begins detailed engineering design for PNR Clark North Phase 2

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade led the formal commencement of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) Clark North Phase 1 project. The DOTr also began to clear the path of the railway, which will be from Tutuban to Malolos. The project will be finished by 2021. (Shane F. Velasco, PIA 3)

MARILAO, Bulacan, Jan. 8 (PIA) -- Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has started the detailed engineering design for the Phase 2 of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) Clark North Project from Malolos City to Clark International Airport (CRK).

Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda confirmed this development during the commencement of construction of the PNR Clark North Phase 1 from Tutuban in Metro Manila to Malolos City.

Phase 1 of PNR Clark North is 38 kilometers while Phase 2 is 69.5 kilometers.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade disclosed that the railways track of the P150 billion worth PNR Clark North Phase 2 will be built beside Terminal 2 of CRK which is also currently being constructed and will be finished by 2020.

Tugade added that the Phase 1 of PNR Clark North will be completed by 2021, ahead of 2022 original schedule.

Once completed, the entire PNR line from Tutuban all the way to Clark International Airport will be an electrified, fully elevated and standard gauge railway.

Majority of the P150 billion financial requirements of PNR Clark North Phase 2 will be provided by the JICA, as a result of the October 2017 second official visit to Japan of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Ambassador Haneda said, is committed to extend Official Development Assistance for the PNR Clark North Phase 2 project on top of the P93 billion provided by JICA for the P105 billion worth PNR Clark North Phase 1. (CLJD/SFV-PIA 3)