BCDA preparing TOR for Clark rail system

MANILA, Philippines - State-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is drawing up the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Clark Rail Transit System as it schedule to the bid out of the project before the end of the year.

According to BCDA president and Chief Executive Officer Arnel Paciano Casanova drafting the TOR as it intends to bid out the Clark Rail as a joint venture (JV) project.

The electric-powered Clark Rail project would cover 82 kilometers (km) of double back track between Malolos in Bulacan and Tarlac City in Tarlac, and have approximately 13 stations.

It is expected to be offered for bidding before the end of the year.

“Offhand, BCDA will provide the land needed including substantial areas for commercial development at every station. The private JV partner will plan, design, finance, build, operate and maintain the Clark Rail,” Casanova said.

The JV partner is expected to conduct the final alignment study for the project.

“We are considering to put the Clark Rail on a new alignment that would allow us to provide the area needed for the commercial development at every station. The Clark Rail will serve as the backbone for the movement of goods, services and people to and from Manila, Clark Green City, Clark International Airport, Clark Special Economic Zone, and Tarlac City,” Casanova said.

The BCDA would also provide some 100 hectares of land in Clark Green City for use as a transport hub that would include the Clark Rail depot.

The Clark Rail will link with the North-South Commuter Rail (NSCR) project that would cover Malolos until Calamba in Laguna.

The NSCR project which was approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board chaired by President Aquino in February, is estimated to cost P288 billion. – With Ding Cervantes