MABALACAT CITY -- The PNR Clark Phase 1 project is expected to serve 300,000 passengers daily once completed in 2021.

Once fully operational, travel time from Tutuban, Metro Manila to Bulacan will be reduced from two hours to 35 minutes, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said.

Full-blast construction of its elevated structures and stations in Malolos, Guiguinto and Balagtas is ongoing.

The project includes the continuous clearing and grubbing, and geotechnical investigation for confirmation in the three stations, and construction of

permanent bored pile in Balagtas and Guiguinto.

The project is part of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project, which includes the PNR Clark Phase 2.

PNR Clark Phase 2 is a 53-kilometer rail line from Malolos Bulacan to Clark Freeport.

Once the whole project is completed, the railway will allow commuters to reach the Clark International Airport from Buendia in Makati in just 55 minutes.

PNR Clark Phase 2 is expected to accommodate 340,000 passenger in its opening year in 2022. It will have stations in Calumpit, Apalit, City of San Fernando, and Angeles City.

The P777.55-million NSCR project is co funded by the Asian Development Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency.