The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has secured right-of-way (ROW) in six areas from Calumpit, Bulacan to Clark, Pampanga, advancing the construction of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project.
In a statement Thursday, DOTr Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the acquisition is part of efforts to fast-track the completion of the NSCR in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to accelerate major transport infrastructure projects.
“We extend our gratitude to the local government units in these critical areas where we will construct the NSCR, particularly those in Angeles City, Mabalacat City, City of San Fernando, Apalit, Minalin, Sto. Tomas, Calumpit, Malolos, and the provinces of Pampanga and Bulacan, for their invaluable support and cooperation in making this project possible,” Lopez said.
The six newly cleared ROW sites are located in Clark International Airport, SM Clark, Barangay Pulungbulo in Angeles City, Barangay Sto. Niño in San Fernando, Barangay San Vicente in Apalit, and Barangay Iba Este in Calumpit.
Lopez also commended the DOTr’s Right-of-Way and Site Acquisition (ROWSA) team led by Assistant Secretary Irish Calaguas, along with the strong coordination from local government units in Pampanga and Bulacan, for expediting the process.
Construction of the NSCR Malolos Station is also nearing completion, the agency added.
Meanwhile, the DOTr targets to complete ROW acquisition for nine stations in the southern section of the NSCR by December, covering Biñan, Cabuyao, Sta. Rosa, EDSA, Sucat, Muntinlupa, FTI, Blumentritt, and Sta. Mesa.
The department is also fast-tracking the relocation of utility systems and the construction of the Banlic Depot, which is already 98 percent complete in ROW acquisition. (PNA)