The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has signed an agreement with the Philippines Department of Transportation (DOTr) to fund technical assistance for the development of the Subic–Clark–Manila–Batangas (SCMB) freight railway. The 212.4 km line will connect major ports along Luzon’s west coast—Subic Bay, Manila, and Batangas—and is expected to ease freight congestion, boost trade, and modernise the country’s logistics network.
The agreement enables U.S. technical support for transport modelling, rail-port integration, and legal and institutional planning. These components are key to meeting Asian Development Bank (ADB) financing criteria and will be carried out by Virginia-based consultancy The Cadmus Group LLC.
Once implemented, the SCMB freight line is expected to enhance port connectivity, reduce traffic at Manila Port, and serve as a cornerstone of the Luzon Economic Corridor, with potential for future passenger services. It is also anticipated to generate U.S. export opportunities in advanced rail technology and services, while contributing to wider regional cooperation with partners like Japan.
