Subic Freeport, Hermosa to be interlinked in proposed Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway Project

Subic Bay Freeport, along with Hermosa, Bataan, is being considered for interlinkage with the proposed Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) Railway Project.  

In a meeting at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) corporate boardroom early this month, the SCMB Technical Working Group met with key officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTR) and The Cadmus Group, as well as Hermosa Mayor Anne Adorable-Inton.

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao said that the meeting focused on the creation of an eight-kilometre access road spanning from Hermosa to Subic Freeport’s Naval Supply Depot through two bridges. The access road would cost ₱ 1.8 billion.

The group also discussed the protection of the rights of Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities and their compensation packages. They also reviewed the logistics terminal between Hermosa and SBFZ, as well as trade volume, port statistics, and the alignment of the logistics roadmap and bypass road from SBFZ to Hermosa.

The SCMB Railway Project is a planned 250-kilometre freight railway project connecting four major economic hubs in Luzon, intending to decongest Manila's port and improve logistics. 

The project is in the development stage, with a feasibility study being jointly undertaken by the United States, Sweden, and the Asian Development Bank, with technical assistance being provided by the US Trade and Development Agency.

The said SCMB Railway Project will link the Port of Subic, Clark International Airport, the Port of Manila, and the Port of Batangas, primarily aiming to serve as a freight cargo railway to ease congestion at the Port of Manila by ensuring the timely movement of products.

The said project is part of the broader Luzon Economic Corridor Initiative, and is intended to drive investment and economic growth. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas railway project gets grant from Sweden

The Swedish government has extended a 12 million Swedish krona (around PHP74 million) grant for the Luzon Economic Corridor’s (LEC) flagship Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) railway project.

The Office of Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA), in a press release on Wednesday, said the agreement was signed between the Government of Sweden, through Swedfund International, and the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the document for the grant was presented at the Malacañang Palace on Wednesday.

“Swedfund’s grant will fund a feasibility study on signaling systems and operational models for the SCMB railway - the anchor infrastructure initiative of the LEC that will connect the major ports of Subic, Manila, and Batangas, strengthening logistics and trade across Luzon,” it said.

It said the Manila-based “Asian Development Bank will oversee procurement of the consultant for the main feasibility study.”

SAPIEA Secretary Frederick Go and Swedish Ambassador to the Philippines Anna Ferry led the group during the presentation.

They were joined by Sweden’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Department Head for Asia, the Pacific and Latin America Daniel Wolvén, Sweden’s Trade Commissioner to the Philippines Johan Lennefalk, DOTr officials led by Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez, and representatives from the Department of Finance and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

“This partnership between the Philippines and Sweden advances the President’s vision of developing globally competitive logistics infrastructure that will drive investment and inclusive growth,” Go said in his keynote address during the event.

Ferry, in turn, welcomed the partnership, saying: “This additional agreement with the Department of Transportation is a remarkable example of synergies and cooperation between public and private efforts.”

“We are proud to support the Philippines’ development goals with Swedish technology and expertise in transportation and provide a boost for sustainable growth and opportunities,” she said.

OSAPEIA said the Swedfund International’s support “complements the June 2025 funding from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, which supports parallel studies on transport modeling, port–rail integration, and institutional planning.” (PNA)

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US backs Luzon Economic Corridor, hikes funding for Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas railway study

MANILA – The United States has reinforced its commitment to the Philippines’ infrastructure modernization efforts by continuing the support and raising funding for the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) despite the Trump administration halting some US government financing programs in different countries. 

Office Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA) Secretary Frederick Go said in a statement on Sunday that the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has increased its grant funding for the pre-feasibility study of the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) Cargo Railway from USD2.5 million (PHP138.8 million) to USD3.8 million. 

Go said the expanded grant was conveyed to the Philippine government on April 28, following a competitive process for the selection of a US consultancy firm. 

The OSAPIEA, Department of Transportation, and the US Embassy in Manila are scheduled to meet in the next few days to finalize and sign the Beneficiary Agreement for the SCMB project. 

“(This is a) great positive news,” the Palace official said. “This milestone demonstrates that the Philippines-US economic ties are stronger than ever.” 

He added that the increased USTDA grant for the SCMB study reflects growing investor confidence and is expected to lead to more employment opportunities along the corridor. 

Despite the scaling back of some US foreign aid programs, the recent funding increase underscores Washington’s continued support for the Philippines’ development priorities, particularly in infrastructure and economic connectivity. 

In addition to the US funding, discussions are ongoing with Sweden’s development financier Swedfund, which is considering a separate USD1.2-million grant to complement the railway initiative. 

The SCMB freight rail is the LEC's flagship project. It seeks to link key industrial and trade zones in Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas provinces. 

Once operational, the freight rail system is expected to improve logistics operations, reduce transport costs, and enhance regional competitiveness while creating jobs for thousands of Filipinos. 

The LEC is an offshoot of the trilateral meeting of the Philippines, the US and Japan in April 2024. 

 

Go earlier said the United Kingdom, Sweden and Australia signified their intents to join the LEC.

France’s Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad Laurent Saint-Martin, who visited Manila last month, conveyed to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. the European country’s interest to also join the project. (PNA)

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New cargo rail line from Subic to Batangas is flagship project of the Luzon Economic Corridor

The Luzon Economic Corridor steering committee has identified the cargo railway directly connecting Subic Bay in Zambales and Batangas province as the flagship project of the new corridor. 

During the Philippine Economic Briefing at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, Special Adviser to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go called the project the Subic-Cargo-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) railway. 

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista confirmed that the SCMB railway is a new train line aimed at spurring investment opportunities along the corridor. 

This project supersedes the previously stalled 71-km Subic-Clark Railway Project (SCRP) which aimed to link Subic Bay with the Clark International Airport. 

“The only line we approved is only Subic to Clark, but we will extend it to Manila and to Batangas -- one line,” Bautista said. 

Bautista told reporters that the DOTr is preparing a new feasibility study for the SCMB cargo railway.  

“We’re in the process of procuring the consultant who will prepare the feasibility study. Hopefully, in a few weeks or a few months, we will already start the procurement,” Bautista said. 

Meanwhile, Go, who co-chaired the inaugural meeting of the Luzon Economic Corridor steering committee in Manila last week, noted that the SCMB cargo railway will open up significant investment opportunities. 

 

The steering committee consists of United States Senior Advisor to the President for Energy and Investment Amos Hochstein and Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director-General for International Cooperation Bureau Ishizuki Hideo. 

 

Go said that aside from the United States and Japan, the United Kingdom government also wants to get involved in the development of the Luzon Economic Corridor. 

“The UK just came up to me, from the UK Embassy, they said they been wanting to get in touch because they want to get involved in this Luzon economic growth corridor,” Go said. 

 

“And in fact, we were informed by the United States steering committee that the UK indeed has been calling to ask how they can participate in this Luzon economic growth corridor. It can now be potentially be three countries,” the economic czar said. 

Go also pitched renewable energy projects within the growth corridor to support future requirement in the area. (SNL)

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Gov’t seeks bidders for ₱45-B Subic-Clark rail project

The government is seeking bidders for the ₱45.361 billion worth of EPC (engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning) contract for the Subic-Clark Railway Project (SCRP), which will be funded through loans from the People’s Republic of China.

In an invitation to bid for the SCRP posted on the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) website, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) through the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) stated that any bids received in excess of the approved budget for the contract of ₱45,361,366,040.29 shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. The project is intended for completion 42 months from the commencement date of the contract.

It also said that the government of China will shortlist the bidders and only those shortlisted may obtain further information from the Special Bids and Awards Committee.

The SCRP spans approximately 71-kiometer rail freight connection between Subic Bay Freeport Zone and Clark Freeport Zone with three freight terminals containers handling and one depot at Clark Freeport Zone for maintenance and stabling of rolling stocks.

To qualify, bidders should have completed within 10 years a similar contract with the SCRP. The contract shall be awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bidder which was determined as such during the post-qualification in accordance with 2916 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act (RA) No. 9184 otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.”

For the detailed evaluation of the proposals, a two-step procedure shall be adopted by the Special Bids and Awards Committee. Only bids that passed the technical proposals criteria shall be subjected to the second step of evaluation or the opening of financial proposals.

A pre-bidding conference for the SCRP is scheduled on Friday, January 10 this year at 10 a.m. at the Procurement Service Conference Room of the Department of Budget and Management in Paco, Manila.

Deadline of submission and receipt of bids is set on February 6, 2020 at 10 a.m. at the same venue to be followed immediately by the opening of bids for both eligibility and technical documents.

Bids will be opened in the presence of bidders’ representatives.

The DOTr through the PS reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, in accordance with Section 41 of RA No. 9184 and its IRR, without thereby any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. (Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat, Manila Bulletin)

https://business.mb.com.ph/2020/01/06/govt-seeks-bidders-for-%E2%82%B145-b-subic-clark-rail-project/

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Subic-Clark cargo rail line construction seen starting in early 2020, DoTr says

THE China-funded Subic-Clark Railway Project is set to begin construction by the first half of 2020, the transportation department said.

Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said last week the Philippines may receive from China the shortlist of contractors for the cargo train project within the month. From this list, the government will choose, through a competitive bidding process, the firm that will build the project.

Mr. Tugade said the auction may be finished before the year ends.

“We are expected to commence the process wherein we will be able to connect cargo operations between Clark and Subic by rail… by the first quarter next year earliest, or at the latest, second quarter,” he said.

Because the P50.03-billion Subic-Clark railway is financed through a China loan, the Philippines is required to select a contractor from a list of three Chinese nominees.

The Philippines initially targeted to start building the Subic-Clark railway this year, but the delay in receiving the shortlist of contractors from China pushed the project beyond the timeline.

The railway was originally scheduled to be completed by 2022 — the last year of President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s six-year term.

The cargo line is among the government’s 75 flagship infrastructure projects. It will run 71.13 kilometers divided into two sections: a 64.19-kilometer main line connecting Subic Bay Freeport Zone and Clark Freeport Zone, and a 6.94-kilometer link to the Subic Bay Port’s New Container Terminal.

The rail line is part of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) Luzon System Development Framework, which intends to integrate the logistics network in Central Luzon. (Denise A. Valdez, Business World)

https://www.bworldonline.com/subic-clark-cargo-rail-line-construction-seen-starting-in-early-2020-dotr-says/

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Subic-Clark railway project feasibility study now underway

The feasibility study for the Subic-Clark railway project being conducted by China Harbor Engineering Co. Ltd. (CHEC) is now underway.

The multi-billion-peso railway project was proposed to the national government by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

CHEC is a world-renowned international contractor and provider of full services in engineering-procurement-construction (EPC), Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT), and Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) for both public and private sectors, providing prestigious services globally and becoming a world-renowned brand in the field of engineering.

SBMA Seaport general manager Jerome Martinez said the Subic-Clark Railway Transit project is part of the P100-billion elevated coastal highway and railway system that would link Subic to Clark Economic Zone and the Port of Manila.

Martinez said the multi-billion project is currently on its data gathering stage: counting the number of cargo trucks passing through, where the cargos are being sent or collected, and the rates.

Aside from CHEC, the official said that there are other proponents that expressed interest in funding the Subic-Clark Railway Transit project.

“There are, actually, many proponents that would like to join in the project. However, the project is still in its conceptual stage where they do data gathering related to the volume, rates and destinations of the cargoes, the range, elevation and other technical issues,” Martinez said.

Aside from the Seaport Department, other SBMA offices (Engineering Department, Project Development Office, Land Asset Management Department, Ecology Center, and Public Works and Transportation Services Group) are members of the technical group that are coordinating with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) in coming up with the feasibility study with engineering consulting firm Atkins.

Meanwhile, PDO manager Vicente Evidente, Jr. explained that the railway development project is one of the priority projects of President Rodrigo Duterte under the “Build, Build, Build” Program that includes Mindanao and Visayas.

For Subic, Evidente said, the railway system will be aligned to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway. This would save the government from right-of-way issues. There are also plans to connect it with the Clark-Manila Railway up to the Port of Manila. When finished, the rail system will open new investment opportunities and improve container and passenger traffic, as well as help decongest other ports, especially Manila.

The feasibility study is expected to complete by the third semester of the year, while the Subic-Clark Railway Transit project is expected to be finished before the end of the President’s term. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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Proposed Subic-Clark Railway project listed in forthcoming PHL-Japan trade, infrastructure talks

The Philippines and Japan are set to begin a new round of discussions on trade and infrastructure late this month, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

The high-level meeting, which will take place in Tokyo, is part of the commitments of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe when he visited the country in January.

The Subic-Clark Railway Project is part of the #BuildBuildBuild program of the Duterte Administration

Neda Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said the discussions will include finalizing the projects to be funded by the Japanese government.

One infrastructure project that could be discussed in the meeting is the hotly contested Subic-Clark Railway project, which is being eyed for funding by both the Chinese and Japanese governments.

The P35.044 billion worth project involves the construction of a 65-kilometer cargo and passenger standard gauge railway.

Envisioned to be a “speed train”, the project will traverse the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway and the Subic Freeport Expressway.

“The project will connect Subic to the major economic hubs in Central Luzon. The project can decongest Metro Manila by transferring portions of business activity to Clark and Subic,” the Neda documents stated.

On the trade side, it is known that the Philippines has a bilateral trade agreement with Japan, the Japan–Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (Jpepa).

The Jpepa agreement was signed in Helsinki in 2006 and was ratified by the Philippine Senate in 2008.

In 2015 the Department of Agriculture (DA) said the Philippines is seeking to bring down tariffs for sugar once a review of the Jpepa begins.

Based on figures from Japan Customs, tariffs for cane sugar range from 18.9 percent to 26 percent.

Agriculture Undersecretary Segredo R. Serrano said the Philippine government is also asking Japan to lower tariff for other agricultural products, such as processed food, fish products and tropical fruits, including bananas, mangoes and pineapples.

In 2007 the DA estimated that the Philippines would earn some $419 million in potential revenues from farm exports under the Jpepa. The department said the amount represents the tariff cuts due that will be implemented under the free-trade scheme. (Cai Ordinario, BusinessMirror)

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/proposed-subic-clark-railway-project-listed-in-forthcoming-phl-japan-trade-infrastructure-talks/

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House leaders back vital Subic-Manila coastal highway

HOUSE Leaders yesterday endorsed the construction of the 65-km coastal highway from Subic Bay to Manila to dramatically unclog the premier international shipping gateway to the country and decongest traffic in the metropolis.

In separate interviews, Quezon City Rep. Winston “Winnie” Castelo, Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe, and Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone joined Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Martin Diño in seeking the approval of President Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte to prioritize the project.

“Any road development towards MM is welcome due to the magnitude of the traffic problem. However, we should study further the best infrastructure available as the best alternative,” Castelo said.

“I am one hundred percent behind this proposal. However, let us start to lessen the centralization of economic activities in Metro Manila and prioritize the dispersal of industries to the provinces. And we can not start this process if we continue building structures going to Manila,” Batocabe, president of the Party-List Coalition (PLC) and chairman of the House special committee on climate change.

For his part, Evardone, who chairs the House committee on bank and financial intermediaries, said: “Any good plan that will help decongest Manila and its worsening traffic should be supported.”

Diño was referring to the new multi-modal highway for rail cargo and vehicular traffic, linking the Subic and Manila ports by the shortest route possible, dovetails with the Freeport’s planned expansion of its Container Terminals 3 and 4 to increase its handling capacity to 1.2 million TEUs or Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit.

He said the SBMA would boost as well the handling capacity of the Naval Supply Depot Compound and Bulk Cargo Port Wharves for loose cargoes, and rehabilitate the Sattler Pier, as modernizing its port facilities and rebuilding its aging infrastructure shift to high gear.

Diño said he has also sought the help of Public Works Secretary Mark Villar to provide technical assistance for the proposed widening of the narrow Tipo Road, which links the Freeport facility to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), into a four-lane highway and the construction of a new tunnel and bridge to accommodate the new lanes are also among his priorities.

He stressed that these projects should be undertaken simultaneously in this “golden age of infrastructure” as the Philippines rides the momentum as the best-performing economy in the region.

Also considered a vital part of the new road network is the 17.273-km bypass road for cargo trucks that would connect the Freeport terminals directly with the SCTEX in Hermosa, Bataan to provide easy transport for goods and services at the export processing zones in the area and in nearby towns in Pampanga, he said.

The bypass road would also relieve traffic buildup at the steep Tipo Road for vehicles and heavy trucks going in and out of the Freeport.

“Our goal is to connect Subic to Manila and the economic zones in Luzon,” Diño said. (Ryan Ponce Pacpaco, Journal Online)

PHOTO:
Aerial shot of the Port of Subic showing its container terminal, piers and warehouses.

Read More: http://www.journal.com.ph/news/top-stories/house-leaders-back-vital-subic-manila-coastal-highway

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Subic-Clark cargo railway sees fruition under Duterte's massive infra push

The Subic-Clark corridor will finally have its cargo railway system that will link the port of Subic to Clark's international airport, boosting cargo transport efficiency in the two free ports and at the same time decongest traffic in Metro Manila.

This, as the Duterte administration is set to launch the biggest infrastructure push in Philippine history to propel economic growth in the next five-and-a-half years.

The Subic-Clark Cargo Railway Project under the Duterte administration's infrastructure plan

Big-ticket infrastructure projects, specifically roads and bridges, mass urban transport and alternative green city solutions are among the key investments to be made by the Philippine government. These will solve the problems brought about by traffic congestion, inadequate mass transport facilities, air pollution, and the lack of healthy, green liveable community spaces.

The development mantra is: build, build and build.

The Duterte administration sees increased infrastructure spending as key to move the country forward and improve the lives of the Filipino people by generating massive investments, creating millions of jobs and lowering prices of commodities.

The country's lead infrastructure agencies are working in close coordination to build new facilities. The National Economic Development Agency (NEDA), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) are crafting the Duterte Infrastructure Plan. In three to five years, new and better roads, bridges, railways, rehabilitated airports and a new metropolis are envisioned to benefit the Filipino people.

According to the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) 2017 National Expenditure Program, in the first year of the Duterte presidency, infrastructure spending will represent 5.4 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product. This will be the highest since the Marcos era spanning 21 years when infra spending was at 3.2 percent of GDP.

Among the "game-changing solutions" of the DOTr that guarantee better transport and passenger experience are the Metro Manila Clark Railway which will assure one-hour travel from Metro Manila to Clark International Airport; the Metro Manila Bus Rapid Train System which will yield on-time trips along EDSA; and the Mindanao Railway which will provide the much-needed connection of people and goods across Mindanao.

For its part, the DPWH will build new linkages to ensure better connectivity between key destinations. These include the Santa Monica-Lawton-BGC Viaduct which will directly link BGC going to Ortigas; the UP-Miriam-Ateneo Viaduct which will cut down travel by 80 percent in Katipunan Ave at CP Garcia; and the NLEX-SLEX Connector Road which will reduce travel time to 30 minutes going to Alabang from Balintawak.

BCDA also eyes big-ticket projects in Central Luzon and Metro Manila. The Clark International Airport New Terminal Building is envisioned to be a world-class airport which will reduce traffic at the NAIA. BCDA also will continue to build a new city proximate to Metro Manila, a 9,450-hectare smart, green and disaster-resilient city that will be a long-term solution to traffic congestion in main urban centers.

Another project is the BGC to NAIA Bus Rapid Transit that will facilitate a 15-minute travel time from Fort Bonifacio to NAIA, preventing delays for passengers rushing to catch their flights whether for leisure or business.

The Philippines has been lagging behind its Asian neighbors in attracting foreign direct investments due to poor infrastructure, which has been traced to government underspending on such projects.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported: "At 21.8 percent of GDP [gross domestic product] in 2014, the investment rate in the Philippines is well below regional peers, as reflected in its low capital stock and infrastructure quality.”

Given the Duterte administration's development platform, a complete turnaround is expected in the next six years with bold solutions and swift action in responding to the pressing needs of the public through massive infra spending.

At present, feasibility studies are being done for the infra projects of the DPWH, DOTr and BCDA. These projects will be subject to public tender following stringent Philippine government procurement rules. In two years, these are envisioned to break ground, with a launch eyed in three to five years. (MARO-PCO)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2131478178859/build-build-build-duterte-to-launch-biggest-infrastructure-program-in-ph

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Chinese firm to build Clark-Subic bullet train as PPP

The Philippines may soon join the ranks of Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan among the Asian countries with a high-speed rail system or bullet train.

On the sidelines of an inquiry by the House transportation committee, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Martin Diño revealed the country's first-ever "bullet train" would be built between Subic in Zambales and Clark in Pampanga.

Diño said the bullet train project will be carried out through a public-private partnership with a Chinese company. He did not name the firm.

Diño said discussions on the railway project would be part of President Rodrigo Duterte's state visit to China on October 18 to 21.

The Clark-Subic bullet train is among the topics President Rodrigo Duterte will discuss with the Chinese when he visits China next week, according to the SBMA official.

"It is our first bullet train. Hopefully, magawa agad," he told reporters.

High-speed trains usually operate at speeds of around 200 km per hour, while Japan's famous bullet trains or shinkansen can run at maximum speeds of more than 300 km/h.

In comparison, trains of the Metro Rail Transit, Light Rail Transit, and Philippine National Railways run at average speeds of 40 km/h. — VDS, Mark Merueñas, GMA News

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/584714/money/companies/chinese-firm-to-build-clark-subic-bullet-train-as-ppp

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Government eyes Subic-Clark cargo railway system

The Department of Transportation will pursue a dedicated cargo railway line between Subic and Clark as part of reforms in the cargo sector that would help resolve the country's traffic crisis.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, who was guest speaker at an event Tuesday organized the World Trade Center in Metro Manila, revealed the Subic-Clark railway line as among his plans for the transportation sector.

Tugade said connecting Subic port to Clark via a railway for carrying cargo, which he said has President Duterte's approval "in principle," will also be able overcome trucking costs.

The transport chief also vowed to build a passenger train line linking Metro Manila and the Clark freeport zone in Pampanga, where the alternative gateway Clark International Airport is located. The train line would connect Clark to Metro Manila either in the Trinoma Shopping Mall in Quezon City or the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City, Tugade said.

These plans are among the campaign promises of President Duterte which form part of a massive effort to increase connectivity and cut road and air congestion via mass railway systems.

As part of a longer term goal, Tugade said all freight vehicles would travel around the country only via railway and roll-on/roll-off, or Ro-Ro, shipping systems, helping decongest roads.

Tugade said plans would still need to be studied by the National Economic and Development Authority, but it was the government’s intention to move swiftly. Tugade said his department would formalize plans within 90 days.

“The train will be there,” Tugade said.

Clark International Airport, despite excess capacity, has struggled to lure passengers due to the lack of mass transit options. By contrast, Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, where expansion options are limited, is operating beyond its intended capacity.

The need for railway systems has been identified under previous administrations. The difficulty has been getting these projects off the ground, typically due to their complexity, high-cost and right-of-way issues. (Inquirer.net)

PHOTO:
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade

http://business.inquirer.net/212193/transport-chief-vows-train-line-to-clark

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