New train system from Manila to Malolos breaks ground.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) led by Secretary Arthur Tugade led the ground breaking ceremony in Malolos, Bulacan, for the first of five Philippine National Railways (PNR – Pambansang Daangbakal ng Pilipinas) that will link Metro Manila to Central Luzon.

The new station which will link the village of Abangan Norte, Malolos Bulacan, to Tutuban in Divisoria, Manila, is a part of the current administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program. Secretary Tugade hopes to link Central Luzon to Manila via 1,000 kilometers of railway before the end of the current administration’s term. 17 stations are expected to rise between Manila, Malolos and the New Clark International Airport (Construction of the Clark International Airport in Pampanga begins) The end of the railway will find commuters in the soon to rise New Clark City, Pampanga (2 New Cities to rise in Clark, Pampanga).

Once completed, 13 train sets comprised of 8 coaches will make daily trips up and down the railway in just 55 minutes versus the usual 2-3 hour drive to Pampanga. It is the government’s hope that this will solve the congestion problem in Manila as it transfers more and more Government Agencies to New Clark City. It will also help spur development along the railway and allow for greater freedom of travel between Manila and the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga