The Department of Transportation (DOTr) led by DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista spearheaded the official groundbreaking for the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) System’s Banlic Depot in Calamba, Laguna last June 13.
The depot will serve as host of a control center, stabling yard, maintenance shop, and other ancillary buildings of the new railway.
The project is worth P16.9 billion covering an area of 24.5 hectares and is expected to be completed by 2028.
Rapid progress
In his speech, Bautista said that this ceremony signals the “rapid progress” of the project after its land development and other preparatory works began in 2023.
“We mark the significant progress since June last year in land development and other preparatory works such as geotechnical investigation, fencing, clearing, erecting temporary project site offices and access roads,” he said.
He also told contractors to focus on safety at the workplace even if it causes a delay but an on-time completion with no accident is better.
“I therefore urge our contractors – the joint venture of Hyundai Engineering and Dong-Ah Geological Engineering – as well as other contractors building the various segments of the NSCR, to always focus on safety throughout the construction sites,” he added.
Boost to economy
“For residents of Banlic and adjacent communities, the NSCR will not only enhance connectivity but also transform their socio-economic status by providing rapid mobility for people and goods,” said Bautista.
This was also the sentiment of Calamba Mayor Roseller Rizal who personally attended the event.
“Inaasahan natin na dahil dito, mas magiging mabilis ang transportasyon at paglago ng ating ekonomiya,” he said.
Once operational, the project is seen to reduce travel time from Clark, Pampanga to Calamba, Laguna to less than two hours and accommodate 800,000 passengers daily.
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