MHC takes delivery of PNR coaches for DOTR’s NSCR Project

Unloading of the PNR coaches at the Manila Harbor Center last November 20

Manila Harbor Center (MHC) received the first batch of train coaches procured by the Philippine National Railways (PNR) for the PNR-Clark Phase 1 segment of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project.

With Wallem Philippine Shipping as agent, the eight-car trainset arrived last 20 November aboard the cargo vessel Diamond Star. The DOTr purchased a total of 13 train coaches from Japan Transport Engineering Co. and Sumitomo Corp., with the second shipment expected to arrive by the second quarter of 2022.

The NSCR, also known as the Clark-Calamba Railway, is a 148-kilometer urban rail transit system running from New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac to Calamba, Laguna. It passes through the Greater Manila Area and will have 36 stations.

The railway will serve as the transportation backbone of the region and will be integrated into existing and future railway lines such as the LRT Line 1, LRT Line 2, MRT Line 3 and the Metro Manila Subway.

“MHC offers its handling services with utmost efficiency. We are honored to be the port of choice to handle this project cargo. We fully support the infrastructure development projects of the national government,” said Phillip Marsham, ICTSI Global Director for MHC.

“Efficient mass transport through railways will benefit employment, business opportunities and spur economic growth for the country,” he added.

A wholly owned subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services, Inc., MHC operates a 10-hectare international breakbulk and bulk port facility at the northern side of the Port of Manila.