The government’s plan to build a cargo train railway connecting Subic to Clark is targeted to start next year, Budget Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno said.

“Magtatayo kami ng [We will build a] train from Subic to Clark. There will be a cargo train. Siguro mga next year maumpisahan na yun [By next year we’ll probably start it], Mr. Diokno told reporters after the inspection of the Manila-Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) road-widening and southbound Marina flyover project.

He said the P50.03-billion railway is part of the government’s 75 flagship infrastructure projects. It will be funded through an official development assistance from China.

Although the train system is originally intended for cargo, Mr. Diokno said it may eventually be used for passenger travel too.

In April, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said the Subic-Clark cargo train is among the projects approved by the Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee and is up for review by the NEDA Board. — Denise A. Valdez









