Bidding opens for North-South Commuter Railway
The envisioned Buendia station in digital render. Image from NSCR website
  • The Department of Transportation and Philippine National Railways is now inviting prospective bidders for the contract to operate and maintain the North-South Commuter Railway
  • Open to all interested local and foreign parties, the competitive bidding will be conducted in accordance with the Public-Private Partnership Code
  • Issuance of the draft concession agreement will be on November 7, and pre-bid conference is set on November 20
  • Issuance of the final operations & maintenance concession agreement to bidders will be on April 30, 2026 while the deadline for submission of bids will be on May 29, 2026

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Philippine National Railways (PNR) is now inviting prospective bidders for the contract to operate and maintain the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR).

The project is envisioned to deliver reliable, safe, and world-class commuter rail service that meets the needs of the public and supports sustainable urban mobility, according to the project’s invitation posted on October 21.

“This will be achieved, among others, through the engagement of a highly qualified private sector partner who will ensure the efficient, effective, and sustainable operation and maintenance of the NSCR in accordance with the highest industry standards throughout the concession period,” the invitation added.

Open to all interested local and foreign parties, the bidding will be conducted in accordance with the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code and its implementing rules and regulations.

Under the indicative schedule, which may still be adjusted, the issuance of the draft concession agreement will be on November 7, while the pre-bid conference is scheduled on November 20.

Issuance of the final operations and management (O&M) concession agreement to bidders will be on April 30, 2026 while the deadline for submission of bids will be on May 29, 2026.

Last July, the Economy and Development Council chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved the NSCR O&M project under a PPP arrangement.

The NSCR is a 147.26-kilometer elevated railway line that will ease travel across three regions: Central Luzon, Metro Manila, and CALABARZON.

Earlier, DOTr undersecretary for railways Timothy John Batan said they target to award the O&M contract by the middle of next year to allow the winning contractor to prepare and mobilize in time for the target partial commencement of operations of the Valenzuela-Malolos, Bulacan segment of the NSCR by December 2027.

The railway will feature 35 stations, including 31 elevated, three at-grade, and one underground. Depots will be located in Clark, Valenzuela, and Calamba to support maintenance and operations.

 

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