The project includes the construction of 18 stations. Credit: Asian Development Bank.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $4.3bn loan for the South Commuter Railway Project in the Philippines.

The funding will be used to build around 55km of a modern suburban railway line, which will link Metro Manila with the city of Calamba.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Go deeper with GlobalData

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

This loan will be offered in multiple tranches, including $1.75bn under the first tranche to be provided this year.

The second and third tranches is anticipated to be provided in 2024 and 2026, respectively.

ADB will provide funding for civil works related to the railway viaduct, stations, bridges, tunnels, and depot buildings.

Funding for rolling stock and railway systems will be provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

ADB East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific vice-president Ahmed Saeed said: “The South Commuter Railway Project will provide affordable, safe, reliable, and fast public transport for commuters.

“This project represents ADB’s biggest infrastructure investment and reflects our commitment to helping the Philippines attain its goals of reducing poverty, improving the lives of Filipinos, and achieving green, resilient, and high economic growth.”

Part of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) network, the project is expected to reduce road traffic congestion and cut down greenhouse gas emissions in line with the country’s climate change goal.

Under the project, a total of 18 stations will be constructed.

A connecting tunnel will be built to run direct trains from Calamba to stations on the future Metro Manila Subway system.

The infrastructure is being designed to be resilient to disasters including earthquakes and typhoons.

Compared with the existing time of 2.5 hours taken to commute by road, the project will help decrease journey time between Manila and Calamba by more than half.

Earlier, the bank also provided funding for the Malolos–Clark Railway line, which is under construction, located north of the capital.

Railway Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Railway Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact across the defence sector.

Excellence in Action
MTR Corporation and Dragages Hong Kong triumphed in three categories – Research & Development, Environmental and Safety – for their Kwu Tung Station project . Learn how this future Northern Link–East Rail Line interchange sets new benchmarks in digital construction, decarbonisation and safety management.

Discover the Impact