Clark Airport Rail Station Nears 75% Completion as Philippines’ First Underground Airport Station

CLARK, Pampanga — The Clark Station of the North-South Commuter Railway Extension (NSCR-Ex) is now 73.29 percent complete and is set to become the Philippines’ first modern underground rail station directly connected to an airport, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said.

The update was given following a joint inspection and briefing conducted by the DOTr and the Office of the Executive Secretary at the Clark Station and other key facilities of the project.

The inspection was led by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan, and DOTr Assistant Secretary for Right of Way Acquisition for Rail and Road Irish Calaguas.

6.5-kilometer package nearing completion

Clark Station is part of Contract Package N-04, which covers approximately 6.5 kilometers of railway infrastructure.

The package is 87.34 percent complete as of August and includes an elevated viaduct, bridges, an underground tunnel leading directly to the airport station, and at-grade access to the main NSCR depot.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said close coordination among government agencies, contractors, local governments and other stakeholders will be critical to completing the project.

He also emphasized that the railway is intended to serve commuters and communities across Luzon.

Clark to Makati in 55 minutes

The NSCR-Ex will also feature an airport express service intended to provide a faster connection between Clark International Airport and Metro Manila.

According to Batan, 51 eight-car trainsets are being procured for the railway, along with seven airport express trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour.

The airport express is expected to connect Clark Airport to Makati in approximately 55 minutes without intermediate stops.

First partial operations targeted for 2027

Batan said the project remains on track for partial operations by the end of 2027.

The initial operating section is expected to cover the first 28 kilometers and seven stations between Valenzuela and Malolos.

An additional 53 kilometers extending to Clark is targeted for completion in the second half of 2028, with the Clark Station–Angeles City section among the segments expected to be completed first.

A major infrastructure link for Central Luzon

Executive Secretary Recto described the 147-kilometer NSCR as a major logistics backbone for the Luzon Economic Corridor.

The railway is expected to strengthen connections between Metro Manila and Central Luzon while supporting economic activity and planned investments in areas such as Clark.

Officials also said the completed railway is expected to help decongest major roads, reduce commuting costs and provide a more reliable and comfortable transportation option for commuters and workers.

The NSCR project is being developed as a major railway link connecting communities and economic centers across Luzon, with Clark International Airport positioned to become a key destination on the system.

Source: Philippine News Agency (PNA), Department of Transportation (DOTr)