PNR Manila closure to speed up NSCR construction

THE five-year closure of the Metro Manila line of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) would result in long-term benefits for commuters, said PNR Chairman Michael Ted Macapagal.

«Sacrifice is necessary for progress and success, and this is what is needed for us to achieve the modernization of our transport system,» Macapagal said during the weekly Kapihan sa Manila Hotel on Wednesday.

The line's closure was meant to accelerate the construction of the 147-kilometer North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) in Metro Manila.

It would hasten the completion of the project by eight months, saving the government P15.18 million in expenses.

«Countries with an existing and efficient railway system all have thriving economies. And this is our vision with the NSCR,» said Macapagal.

He added that alternative bus routes would be created for commuters affected by the PNR line closure.

Macapagal said the project would benefit both the economy and environment.

«The NSCR will generate 5,000 jobs and will help create growth areas,» he said.

«Currently, the PNR uses diesel locomotive trains; upon the completion of the NSCR, electric trains will be operated, which are environmentally friendly. We are also looking at the possibility of using solar-powered trains in the future,» Macapagal said.