72-km Subic-Clark cargo rail to start construction early 2022

The Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) said construction of the 72-kilometer Subic-Cargo Railway will start early next year after the government has done substantial preparations for the project.

Joshua M. Bingcang, BCDA Vice President for Business Development and Operations, said at the virtual Business and Investment Climate webinar by the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc., they have already acquired substantial amount of right of way to ensure continuous construction works. The project is jointly undertaken with the Department of Transportation and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

By early next year, he said they will be able to launch activities for the rail project.

“This is to ensure that transportation costs for products including manufacturing and electronics will be maintained at competitive or advantageous rates through this infrastructure,” he said.

According to Bingcang, the government has already awarded the civil works contract. It has also awarded the private consultancy contract and acquired substantial amount of right of way “to ensure that after the constructor will start their construction works,” he said.

Bingcang noted that the Clark-Subic Cargo Railway is also part of the Luzon integrated railway but the Clark-Subic portion will start a freight service to service Clark locators with their shipments.

The Subic-Clark 72-kilometer railway connection for services along the Subic-Clark corridor is expected to be completed in 2024.

Article and Photo originally posted by Manila Bulletin last June 11, 2021 3:41pm and written by Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat.