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The Economy and Development Council approved changes to the parameters of the North-South Commuter Railway operations and maintenance project and extension of the concession period for Mactan-Cebu International Airport
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The changes to the NSCR project’s parameters, terms, and conditions aim to attract more bidders and encourage competitive proposals for the flagship rail project
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The approved extension of the concession period for MCIA will provide a longer investment recovery period, enabling needed improvements such as the restoration and expansion of domestic and international routes and more seamless airport transfers, while minimizing pressure to increase passenger service charges
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Under the contract variation, concessionaire Aboitiz InfraCapital commits to provide nearly P15 billion in capacity augmentation and capital investments
The Economy and Development (ED) Council has approved changes to the parameters of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) operations and maintenance (O&M) project, along with an extension of the concession period for Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA).
Chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., the ED Council approved the changes during its 11th meeting on September 16. The revisions to the NSCR project’s parameters, terms, and conditions aim to attract more bidders and encourage competitive proposals for the flagship rail project linking Central Luzon, Metro Manila, and Southern Luzon. Partial operations are expected to begin in December 2027.
“Improved mobility will expand access to jobs, markets, education, and services across regions, reflecting our commitment to a more productive, resilient, and inclusive economy,” he added.
The NSCR is a 147.26-kilometer elevated railway line that will ease travel across three regions: Central Luzon, Metro Manila, and CALABARZON.
The ED Council last year approved the O&M for the rail project to be undertaken under a public-private partnership arrangement.
READ: Bidding opens for North-South Commuter Railway project
With construction already in advanced stages, the project is expected to benefit as many as 800,000 passengers daily in its opening year, eventually serving up to one million commuters.
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.
Mactan-Cebu airport
The approved extension of the concession period for MCIA, meanwhile, will provide a longer investment recovery period, enabling needed improvements such as the restoration and expansion of domestic and international routes and more seamless airport transfers, while minimizing pressure to increase passenger service charges.
Under the contract variation, the concessionaire commits to provide nearly P15 billion in capacity augmentation and capital investments.
The joint venture of Megawide Construction Corp. and GMR Infrastructure Ltd. in 2014 was awarded the 25-year concession agreement to develop, operate, and maintain MCIA.
In 2022, Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC) joined GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corp., turning it to Aboitiz-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp (AGMCAC).
In 2024, AIC officially assumed full ownership of AGMCAC, turning it to Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp.
READ: Mactan-Cebu Airport cited as PPP model project
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