The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is targeting the acquisition of right of way and sites for 19 stations in the southern portion of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project by the first quarter of 2026.
According to DOTr Assistant Secretary for Right of Way and Site Acquisition (ROWSA) Irish “IC” Calaguas, the department aims to acquire 895 lots and relocate 893 informal settler families.
To mitigate the impact, the affected families will be relocated to designated areas in coordination with the Socialized Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) under the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD). Construction for the new homes is already underway.
The 19 stations slated for development are located in key areas, including Blumentritt, España, Sta. Mesa, Paco, Taguig, Buendia, Edsa, Senate Station, Bicutan, FTI Station, Sucat, Alabang, Muntinlupa, Biñan, Sta. Rosa, San Pedro, Pacita, Cabuyao, Calamba, and Banlic Depot.
To expedite the process, DOTR Secretary Vince Dizon approved the hiring of 338 additional staff to support the task.
This strategic move underscores the department’s commitment to meeting its targets and ensuring the successful implementation of the NSCR project.
President Ferdinand Marcos had ordered the DOTr to expedite the construction of the NSCR for ordinary commuters.
Dizon ealier said that the Clark to Malolos, Bulacan part of the NSCR will be completed by the first quarter of 2028, in response to the directive of President Marcos.
Once completed, travel time from Clark to Calamba will only take two hours.
