THE first trainset of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) Clark is scheduled to arrive in the country before Christmas, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) stated.

The trainset is set to depart Yokohama, Japan in October after undergoing a series of Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT).

The DOTr said it is expected to arrive at the Malanday Depot on the first week of December 2021.

Through the FAT, the newly manufactured trainset will undergo verification if it meets its intended purpose, according to the agency.

The trainset also needs to pass through a test if it complies with international standards including the International Standard Office (ISO) and Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS).

The DOTr said the construction of the PNR Clark Phase 1 from Tutuban, Metro Manila to Malolos, Bulacan, is on track.

Once completed, the railway is expected to accommodate 300,000 passengers every day.

Aside from this, travel time between Tutuban and Malolos will be cut from more than one hour to only 35 minutes by train.