Manila: The third eight-car Electric Multiple Unit trainset for the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) has arrived in the Philippines. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has instructed the acceleration of the project's construction, aiming for commuters to utilize the NSCR line from Valenzuela to Clark in Pampanga before the conclusion of his term.

According to Philippines News Agency, acting Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Lopez announced that the trainset is currently undergoing an importation process through the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and is scheduled for transport to the Malanday Depot in Valenzuela City. Lopez confirmed that the NSCR construction is progressing as planned and will enhance commuter travel efficiency once operational.

"Ang utos ng Pangulo, pabilisin ang konstruksyon ng NSCR, and with this development, maide-deliver natin ang proyekto on time. Tiniyak natin na dumaan sa masusing inspeksyon ang mga trainset at dekalidad ang mga ito para masigurong ligtas at maayos itong magagamit ng mga pasahero (The President's order is to accelerate the construction of the NSCR, and with this development, we can deliver the project on time. We ensured that the trainsets underwent thorough inspection and are of quality to ensure they are safe and can be used properly by passengers)," Lopez stated.

The newly arrived trainset was procured from the Japan Transport Engineering Co. and Sumitomo Corp. under NSCR Contract Package 03: Rolling Stock. Another trainset for the NSCR is anticipated in October.

The DOTr aims for partial operations of the NSCR on the Valenzuela to Malolos, Bulacan route by the fourth quarter of 2027. The 147-kilometer NSCR system will feature 35 stations, linking Central Luzon, Metro Manila, and Calabarzon. When fully operational, the project is expected to serve around 800,000 commuters daily. The NSCR will also reduce travel time from Clark, Pampanga to Calamba, Laguna to two hours from the current four hours.