The Philippine National Railways (PNR) Calamba Project, the ₱344.6 billion South Commuter train line, will generate over 10,000 direct jobs once its construction starts next year, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade last night (July 13) announced.
The project will employ residents of Calamba and nearby areas, he added during his inspection of the PNR Banlic Depot in Calamba, Laguna yesterday.
Furthermore, the PNR Calamba project will benefit employees and students as the rail line will cut travel time going to and from workplaces and schools.
Needless to say, the railway will boost local and regional economic development. "Imagine the benefits it would generate for tourism,” he remarked.
It's “game-changer”, Calamba City Mayor Justin Chipeco acknowledged.
PNR Calamba, the third leg of the massive North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project, will connect Metro Manila (Solis St., Tondo) and Calamba, Laguna from the current four hours to just one hour.
The 56-kilometer railway project is expected to serve at least 340,000 passengers a day during its partial operations, while ridership is expected to increase up to 550,000 passengers once the railway is on full operation in 2028.
Funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and with the Official Development Assistance (ODA) from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), PNR Calamba’s 19 stations are located across five cities in Metro Manila and six cities in Laguna.
Opening of bids for the civil works of the depot begins today, July 14.
DOTr expects the awarding within three to four months before proceeding with the mobilization works.