Thousands of commuters and nature herself stand to gain from the 147-kilometer North South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Philippine National Railway that will seamlessly connect Clark, Pampanga, and Calamba, Laguna.
Rail transport is noted for its environmental friendliness compared with other modes of transportation.
DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Jeremy Regino stressed that trains are generally more energy-efficient than cars and planes, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions per passenger.
Studies affirm that efficiency, reduced emissions and minimal environmental impact make rail transport as a more eco-friendly option than some other transportation modes.
Trains’ energy efficiency is attributed to their operation on fixed tracks, reducing friction and allowing superior energy management. This approach also minimizes land use and habitat disruption compared to roadways.
Creating a multi-billion-dollar railway with environmental consciousness involves the use of sustainable materials, minimal habitat disruption and energy-efficient technologies to reduce the project’s carbon footprint.
Moreover, adopting eco-friendly practices, such as waste reduction and recycling, contribute to a more environmentally responsible railway development.
The NSCR, a flagship project under the government’s Build Better More Program, receives co-financing from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Upon its completion, the NSCR is expected to cut travel time by half from Clark in the North to Calamba, Laguna in the South. The system, comprising 35 stations and approximately 50 commuter train sets, will also include express trains catering to passengers traveling between Manila International and Clark International Airports, serving an estimated 800,000 daily passengers.
Recently inaugurated, the site office in Santa Rosa, Laguna, symbolizes the commitment of DOTr/PNR to the environment, marked by a tree planting ceremony. The site prioritizes safety, welfare and comfort for employees and workers involved in the project,
Hyundai Engineering and Construction Co. Ltd. and Dong-Ah Geological Engineering Company Ltd. Joint Venture (“HDJV”) will oversee the P27.6-billion contract package for CP S-05. The site office, equipped with a medical center for first aid and response, underscores the commitment to worker safety.
“For a multi-billion undertaking like the North-South Railway Commuter Project, we must ensure the safety of thousands of our workers first and foremost,” said Regino.
The NSCR is scheduled to be completed and fully operational by 2029.