DOTr says PNR Clark Phase 2 attracted ‘record-high’ number of bidders

The second phase of Philippine National Railways’ (PNR) Clark project attracted a record-high number of bidders for three contract packages, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Wednesday.

The 53-kilometer line from Malolos, Bulacan to Clark, Pampanga, the PNR Clark Phase 2 forms part of the P777.55-billion North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project.

Package 1 covers civil works for 17 kms of PNR Clark Phase 2, including the Calumpit and Apalit Stations, while Package 2 runs 16 kms including the San Fernando Station, and Package 3 covers 12 kms encompassing the Angeles and Clark Stations.

The NSCR project is the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) “largest and fastest-moving project.” It continues to set records with the high turnout of bidders that include nine international and two local companies, the DOTr noted.

The bid participants comprise seven joint ventures and sole bidders.

The participating companies were listed as follows:

•     Acciona (Spain)

•     Daelim (Korea)

•     Dong Ah Construction (Korea)

•     EEI (Philippines)

•     Hyundai Engineering & Construction (Korea)

•     Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited (Thailand)

•     Megawide Construction Corporation (Philippines)

•     PT Pembangunan Perumahan [PP] (Indonesia)

•     PT Waskita Karya Tbk (Indonesia)

•     PT Wijaya Karya Tbk [Wika] (Indonesia)

•     Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Corporation (Japan)

“We are very happy with the turnout of bidders for PNR Clark Phase 2,” PNR General Manager Junn Magno was quoted as saying.

The DOTr envisions PNR Clark Phase 2 allowing commuters to reach the Clark International Airport from Buendia in Makati in 55 minutes.

Phase 2 is expected to accommodate seen to accommodate 340,000 passengers in its opening year in 2022. —Margaret Claire Layug/VDS, GMA News