DOTr’s Laguna site office seen to propel NSCR project forward

MANILA, Philippines  —The Department of Transportation and Philippine National Railway recently opened their South Commuter Rail’s site office and a 15-hectare integrated pre-cast yard in Santa Rosa, Laguna, signaling the start of permanent works at the 12.8-kilometer Laguna railway project.

The Laguna railway project, covered by PNR South Commuter Rail contract package (CP)-05, forms part of the 147-km North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) system connecting Clark in Pampanga and Calamba, Laguna.

The site office and its cutting edge facilities in Santa Rosa is covered by the P27.6-billion contract package 05 which was awarded to the joint venture between Hyundai Engineering and Construction Co. Ltd and Dong-Ah Geological Engineering Co. Ltd.

Scheduled for completion by April 2028, this segment of the NSCR project involves the construction of vital stations in San Pedro, Pacita, Binan and Santa Rosa in Laguna province.

Laguna stations

Transportation Undersecretary Jeremy Regino in a statement said that with the PNR South Commuter Rail’s site office, he envisions the buildup in the construction momentum for this 12.8-kilometer railway structure.

Regino emphasizes that beyond bricks and mortar, the site facilities embody the proponents’ commitment to the safety, welfare and comfort of their workforce over the next four years of project implementation, aligned with stringent safety protocols and comprehensive training programs.

READ: DOTr cites LGUs, Hyundai roles in North-South Commuter Railway project

The expansive project site office, covering over 8,300 square meters, provides accommodation for 300 personnel and the following support facilities:

-Office and accommodation: Prioritizing proximity, the office is located close to the contractor’s site office and living quarters for personnel, ensuring a cohesive work environment.

-Onsite laboratory: Two laboratories dedicated to concrete testing expedite processes, ensuring timely and accurate results for the project’s phases.

– Medical center: Equipped to provide first aid and swift response treatment, the medical center emphasizes the project’s commitment to the workers’ well-being.

-Work-life balance: The site office introduces a Korean and local canteen, along with a recreational area featuring a gym, karaoke space, and a half basketball court, promoting the physical and overall well-being of the project’s staff.

Connectivity

Co-financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the NSCR is anticipated to revolutionize travel, reducing commute time by 50 percent or more from Calamba in the South to Clark in the North.

READ: P157-B Japan loans keep PH rail project on track

With 35 stations, 50 commuter train sets, and express trains serving Clark International Airport, the system aims to accommodate 800,000 passengers daily.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista called for a collective effort to ensure the timely completion of this rail project.

Scheduled for operation in 2029, the NSCR transcends being merely a transportation milestone. “It stands as a testament to a nation’s unwavering commitment to progress, connectivity, and a brighter future for its people,” Bautista said.