By Kris M. Crismundo
MANILA, Aug 23 (PNA) — The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) earmarks some US$ 2.0 billion for the Philippines for the construction of the first phase of the North-South Commuter Railway (NCSR).
“I got the confirmation from JICA that JICA is allotting US$ 2.0 billion for that project. So it’s pushing through,” Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and Chief Executive Officer Arnel Paciano D. Casanova told reporters.
“It will through their ODA (official development assistance) loan and we are looking at the PPP (public-private partnership) model,” he added.
The first phase of NCSR project or the Tutuban, Manila to Malolos, Bulacan line was initially designated by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board to the Department of Transport and Communications (DOTC) upon approving the project in February.
In April, BCDA reported that it will undertake the NCSR Phase 1 which will also allow the state-owned corporation to link the Tutuban-Malolos line to its own Clark Rail Transit System (CRTS).
However, in a previous interview, Casanova mentioned that the DOTC will now pursue the NCSR Phase 1 project.
He added that the BCDA coordinates with DOTC for the Tutuban-Malolos rail project as the former still targets to connect the NCSR to CRTS.
“We are going to coordinate with DOTC so that will be a seamless operation,” he said.
The BCDA chief added that BCDA and DOTC may agree to have one operator, maintenance, and concessionaire for the NCSR Phase 1 and CRTS but with different funding. (PNA)