The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved the final USD1.45 billion tranche for the Malolos–Clark Railway Project (MCRP), completing its USD2.75 billion financing commitment and securing full funding for this key segment of the North–South Commuter Railway (NSCR). Spanning 53.1 km from Malolos, Bulacan to Clark International Airport, the MCRP is part of the Philippine government’s “Build, Better, More” infrastructure initiative.
The ADB-financed project is designed to cut travel time, reduce traffic congestion in Metro Manila, and support the transition to sustainable transport. It includes three rail services: commuter, express, and airport express—the latter being the country’s first direct rail link to an airport. The system is co-financed by JICA, which is supplying rolling stock and key rail systems.
Partial operations are set to begin by Q3 2026, with full operations expected by 2029. The ADB is also backing the NSCR’s southern leg and offering livelihood support for affected communities. The bank’s broader 2025 pipeline includes USD1.1 billion in additional loans targeting food security, marine ecosystems, and health care expansion.
