ICC approves P6.6-B South Rail project

The Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CC) recently approved the first phase of the P6.6-billion South Rail project that would pave the way for commuters to enjoy a fast, safe, reliable and comfortable travel through and from Caloocan to Calamba.

Approved was the South Manila Commuter Rail Project phase I worth P3.3 billion ($64.03 million). The project covers the south line of Philippine National Railways (PNR) from Caloocan to Alabang. It will involve the repair and improvement of 34.05 km track length, 18 stations, the reconstruction of two bridges, and the procurement of 21 cars or seven three-car train sets. The project is expected to enhance public transportation system in Metro Manila by helping decongest the traffic and at the same time making the areas south of Manila more accessible.

The ICC said of the P3.3 billion, P2.5 billion or 78 percent will be proposed to be funded by the Korean Export Import Bank (KOEXIM) as foreign cost component, while the remaining P800 million or 22 percent will be shouldered by the government.

Improving air, land and water transportation has been identified as one of the eight-point agenda of the government. The ultimate aim of which is to create wealth and reduce poverty in the country.

The ICC said, phase II will cover the Alabang-Calamba Section. It will include improvement of 27.5 km track length, six stations, road crossing facilities, signaling and communication, secondary depot and maintenance facility at Calamba, the reconstruction of five bridges, and the procurement of 18 cars or six three-car, train sets.