DOTr Commences Construction of NSCR Banlic-Laguna Depot

Significant Progress for Southern Leg of North-South Commuter Railway Project

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has initiated construction for the Banlic Depot, a crucial part of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project, located in Calamba City, Laguna.

Advancing the Southern Leg

The groundbreaking for Contract Package S-07 (Banlic Depot) marks significant advancement for the southern segment of the NSCR. This follows the closure of the Philippine National Railways’ (PNR) Alabang-Calamba section in July of last year to facilitate preparatory and construction activities.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista highlighted the progress made since June of the previous year, including land development, geotechnical investigations, fencing, clearing, and the erection of temporary project site offices and access roads.

Project Details and Timeline

The P16.9-billion Contract Package S-07 encompasses architectural works, a control center, stabling yard, maintenance shop, and other essential buildings within the 24.5-hectare depot. The depot and the entire southern leg of the NSCR are projected to be completed by 2028.

Additional Contract Packages

The southern leg also includes:

• CP S-04: An 8.5-kilometer segment with elevated viaducts and stations in Alabang and Muntinlupa.
• CP S-05: A 12.8-kilometer stretch with viaducts and stations in San Pedro, Pacita, Biñan, and Sta. Rosa in Laguna.
• CP S-06: A 10.22-kilometer section with viaducts and stations in Cabuyao, Banlic, and Calamba in Laguna.

Socio-Economic Impact

“For the residents of Banlic and adjacent communities, the NSCR will enhance connectivity and transform socio-economic status by providing rapid mobility for people and goods,” said Bautista.

Progress and Future Developments

The northern leg of the NSCR, spanning from Clark, Pampanga to Valenzuela City with 12 stations, has achieved a 60% completion rate.

In Metro Manila, construction for the section from Blumentritt in Manila to Sucat in Parañaque City is expected to begin in October this year.

Project Overview

The NSCR will cover over 147 kilometers with 37 stations from Clark, Pampanga to Calamba, Laguna. Co-financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the project aims to reduce travel time between Clark and Calamba to under two hours, accommodating up to 800,000 passengers daily.