TRANSPORTATION Secretary Arthur Tugade has ordered the fast-tracking of the ongoing construction of the PNR Clark Phase 1, which will connect Metro Manila and Malolos, Bulacan and eventually Clark Freeport in Pampanga.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) chief said the railway should serve the riding public before the end of 2021.

Tugade said the segment of the project, from Tutuban, Metro Manila to Malolos, is now 43 percent complete.

"We have a lot of catching up to do with so little time left. Itong proyekto na ito, gusto ko, agad 'yang mapakinabangan ng tao," Tugade said.

"That's why I have been pushing and pressuring the railway sector really hard to fast-track the construction works in the best way possible," he added.

Once completed, travel time from Tutuban to Malolos will be reduced from more than one hour to only 30 minutes. It can accommodate 330,000 passengers per day.

Philippine National Railways (PNR) general manager Jun Magno said the entire line from Tutuban to Clark Freeport is expected to be completed by second quarter of 2024.

"Sa second quarter ng taong 2024, magagamit na ang buong linya na mag uugnay sa Tutuban at Clark sa Pampanga," he said.