Manila: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has successfully secured right-of-way (ROW) in six strategic areas extending from Calumpit, Bulacan to Clark, Pampanga. This marks a significant advancement in the construction of the North South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOTr Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez emphasized that the acquisition of these ROWs is pivotal to accelerating the completion of the NSCR project, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to expedite essential transport infrastructure. Lopez expressed gratitude towards the local government units in Angeles City, Mabalacat City, City of San Fernando, Apalit, Minalin, Sto. Tomas, Calumpit, Malolos, and the provinces of Pampanga and Bulacan for their support and cooperation in facilitating the project.

The newly acquired ROW-cleared properties include locations at Clark International Airport, SM Clark, Barangay Pulungbulo in Angeles, Pampanga, Barangay Sto. Nino in San Fernando, Pampanga, Barangay San Vicente in Apalit, Pampanga, and Barangay Iba Este in Calumpit, Bulacan. Secretary Lopez highlighted the efforts of the ROW and Site Acquisition (ROWSA) team, led by DOTr Assistant Secretary Irish Calaguas, in collaboration with local government units in Pampanga and Bulacan, as instrumental in expediting the land acquisition process.

Furthermore, construction for the NSCR Malolos Station is approaching completion, while the DOTr aims to finalize the ROW acquisition for nine stations in the southern section of the NSCR by December. These include sites located in Bi±an, Cabuyao, Sta. Rosa, EDSA, Sucat, Muntinlupa, FTI, Blumentritt, and Sta. Mesa.

In parallel efforts, the DOTr is accelerating the relocation of the NSCR South's utility system by December and progressing with the construction of the Banlic Depot, with ROW acquisition nearing completion at 98 percent.