CLARK FREEPORT ZONE (PIA) — The Clark International Airport (CRK) Station of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Extension Project is being developed as the country’s first modern underground railway station directly connected to an airport, with operations targeted by 2028.
During a joint briefing and inspection of the station and other key NSCR facilities, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto underscored the NSCR’s role in strengthening connectivity and supporting economic activity along the Luzon Economic Corridor.
“Lahat ng ito ay 147 kilometers. It’s a major infrastructure, major logistics infra for the Luzon Economic Corridor. Napakahalaga niyan,” he said.
Recto also noted the potential of improved transport connectivity to support manufacturing and semiconductor activities in Clark and other parts of the corridor.
The 147-kilometer NSCR is designed to connect 22 local government units across Central Luzon, the National Capital Region, and Calabarzon through 35 stations.
As of August 2026, Contract Package N-04 of the NSCR Extension Project, which covers about 6.5 kilometers of railway infrastructure, including the underground station at CRK, has reached 87.34 percent overall progress, while the CRK Station itself is 73.29 percent complete.
Meanwhile, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan disclosed that the project will also feature an airport express service, with seven airport express trains designed to travel at speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour.
The service is targeted to connect CRK to Makati in 55 minutes without intermediate stops.
In addition, DOTr Secretary Banoy Lopez said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the agency to expedite the completion of major transport infrastructure.
“Ang sabi po ng ating Pangulo, kailangan matapos itong proyekto. This is not simply for DOTr, this is not simply for our Cabalens or kababayans, but this is for the entire Filipino people,” he stated.
Lopez also emphasized the importance of collaboration among contractors, consultants, the DOTr, local government units, and local leaders in addressing site challenges, securing community support, and keeping construction on track.
Supporting the project, Recto assured that the administration is addressing past implementation concerns and providing full financial support to expedite construction and ensure the project’s uninterrupted completion.
Batan said the first partial NSCR operations are targeted by the end of 2027, covering the initial 28-kilometer segment with seven stations from the city of Valenzuela to the city of Malolos in Bulacan.
An additional 53-kilometer segment from Malolos to Clark is targeted for completion by the second half of 2028, with the CRK Station among the segments expected to be completed early.
Upon completion, the NSCR is also expected to provide an alternative to road travel, helping ease congestion and improve access between communities, employment centers, and major transport gateways.
The NSCR forms part of the government’s efforts to promote inclusive growth, improve transport and logistics services, and contribute to the country’s climate change action agenda by supporting lower greenhouse gas emissions through expanded rail transport.
