CONSTRUCTION of the electrified rail link between Manila and the former US Clark Air Base is expected to get under way before the end of next month, according to Philippines Transportation & Communications Secretary Arturo Enrile. He announced on June 17 that Philippine National Railways and North Luzon Railway Corp were close to signing the concession agreement for NorthRail.
Enrile said he had been instructed by President Ramos to supervise personally the discussions, in order to ’fast-track the Manila - Clark rail system’ which would ’extend economic activities towards the Central and North Luzon area’. The 100 km line will link the capital to the special economic zone in about 1h.
NorthRail is a joint venture between government agencies and private firms, including PNR, the Bases Conversion Development Authority, and Spanish National Railways.
- Relaying work is under way on PNR’s main line between España and Sucat stations in Manila (left), to allow expansion of commuter and freight services. It is being paid for by Japan’s Overseas Economic Co-operation Fund. o
