The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said on Thursday that it will bid out the Clark Rail Transit System deal in June and that it is now in the process of finalizing the terms of reference.
BCDA President and CEO Arnel Paciano D. Casanova also said the government-owned and -controlled corporation has reached an agreement with the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to extend the project’s scope and connect the rail to Manila.
“The DOTC now wants us to do the Malolos to Tutuban portion of the railway. Initially, it was just Malolos to Clark, now it’s Tutuban to Clark, which means the section,” Casanova said. “We’re now finalizing the terms of reference, it’ll be out by May and we can start the bidding in June,” he added. Casanova said the Clark Rail Transit System will be undertaken via the public-private partnership scheme and will be a joint-venture (JV) project.
“Offhand, BCDA will provide the land needed including substantial areas for commercial development at every station. The private JV partner will plan, design, finance, build, operate and maintain the Clark Rail,” he said earlier. Casanova said the Clark Rail will be electric powered. It will involve some 82 kilometers of double back track between Malolos and Tarlac City, and will have approximately 13 stations. He said the alignment of Clark Rail is still being studied.
He added that the JV partner will conduct the final alignment study. The BCDA would set aside 100 hectares in Clark Green City for use as a transport hub that will include the Clark Rail depot. The Clark Rail Transit System will be connected with the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) in Malolos and will be part of the $6-billion integrated Luzon Railway Project. It is seen to provide more access from Metro Manila to the Clark Green City.
In February, the National Economic and Development Authority Board, chaired by President Aquino, approved two projects under the North-South Railway master plan. The two projects are the Phase 1 of the NSCR Project and the North-South Railway Project—South Line. Both projects are under the DOTC.
Catherine Pillas