BCDA president and CEO, Mr Arnel Paciano Casanova, says the company is currently drafting the terms of reference for the contract and is seeking a joint-venture partner to plan, design, finance, build, operate and maintain the double-track line which will connect Malolos and Tarlac City. The line will have 13 stations, although a study of the alignment is not yet complete with the joint-venture partner expected to conduct the final alignment study.
"We are considering a new alignment which will allow us to provide the area needed for commercial developments at every station," Casanova says. "Clark Rail will serve as the backbone for the movement of goods, services, and people to and from Manila, Clark Green City, Clark International Airport, Clark Special Economic Zone, and Tarlac City."
BCDA will also provide 100 hectares of land in Clark Green City for a "transport hub" and a future rolling stock depot.
In February 2014, the National Economic and Development Authority Board, approved two NSCR projects: the 36.7km narrow gauge line from Malolos to Tutuban, which is estimated to cost Pesos 117.3bn; and the Tutuban - Calamba project, which is estimated to cost Pesos 170.7bn, and includes the Tutuban – Legaspi line, and an extension of the Calamba – Batangas branch line from Legaspi to Matnog.
