Pre-construction activities have commenced for Phase 1 of the Department of Transportation’s Philippine National Railways (PNR) Clark project. This first phase will put a 38km railway system from Tutuban in Manila to Malolos in Bulacan, consisting of 10 stations and projected to serve 340,000 passengers per day.

Once finished, said PNR Clark segment will reportedly allow commuters to travel from Tutuban to Malolos in just 35 minutes.

In an open area in Marilao, Bulacan, a special ceremony was held this morning to formally start construction mobilization for the project. The event briefed all concerned government units on pre-construction activities like “site clearing, grading of unleveled surfaces, and demolition of obstructing structures.”

In attendance were DOTr officials led by Secretary Arthur Tugade.

Meanwhile, according to a DOTr press statement, “the National Economic and Development Authority has approved Phase 2 of the project, a 70km stretch from Malolos to Clark, Pampanga.”

The DOTr statement added that the project will eventually be extended north to Subic Freeport, all the way to Tuguegarao in Cagayan.

So, are you ready to travel out of town without having to bring your car?