The United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) will fund technical assistance for the proposed 212 km Subic Bay–Clark–Manila–Batangas (SCMB) Railway, a major freight infrastructure initiative aimed at improving logistics connectivity across Luzon.
Announced on June 26, 2025, the agreement between USTDA and the Philippine Department of Transportation (DOTr) includes support from Virginia-based Cadmus Group for transport modelling, legal planning, and port-rail integration. The line will link three major ports and could support passenger services in the future, complementing the Luzon Economic Corridor program.
Originally planned with Chinese financing, the project is now being redeveloped with US and Japanese support. It is estimated to cost USD3.2 billion, with the Asian Development Bank expected to provide financing. Design is anticipated by 2026, with construction starting in 2027.
The SCMB Railway follows the alignment of a largely defunct Philippine National Railways line and is expected to ease Metro Manila congestion and modernise freight logistics. The project also offers export opportunities for US technologies and services.