The Philippine department of transportation and communication (DOTC) has announced plans to launch a tender process to develop a 90- kilometer North to South commuter railway PPP project in Manila.

The total investment is estimated at US$6 billion. The tender process is scheduled to be launched in fourth quarter this year or early 2015. The project is scheduled to be completed in five to six years.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), an independent governmental agency that coordinates official development assistance (ODA) for the government of Japan, is currently conducting the feasibility study for the railway linking Malolos, Bulacan to Calamba, Laguna.

The contract will be presented to the Philippine National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Board once completed.

The project will cover the entire Philippine National Railways (PNR) mainline, including the line north from Manila to La Union, from Tarlac to San Jose, Nueva Ecija, and a proposed extension to Cagayan. It will be the first mass transportation that will serve as far north in Malolos, Bulacan, and as far south in Calamba, Laguna.

The main line south includes the one running from Manila to Legazpi City as well as the branch line from Calamba to Batangas City.

The commuter rail will also make Clark International Airport more accessible from Metro Manila passengers.

See Project profile @ PPP Center: http://ppp.gov.ph/?p=19804