The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is fast-tracking the Calumpit relocation site for families affected by the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) in Bulacan and Pampanga, aiming for full occupancy by 2027.

Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said Monday the accelerated schedule is designed to let residents move in as soon as possible.

The project, named “El Nuevo De Municipio de Calumpit,” will house about 3,185 people—or 637 families—from Calumpit and Malolos in Bulacan, and Apalit and Minalin in Pampanga.

“The DOTr’s priority is clear: there must be proper relocation for our fellow citizens affected by transportation projects. We will ensure that no affected family is left behind,” Lopez said.

DOTr is working with the Calumpit local government on the project. Road embankment work leading to the site is complete, and construction is scheduled to start in April. The local government will manage social preparations for relocating families.

The development will include six four-story residential buildings and community facilities, such as a basketball court, parks, and playgrounds.

Three northern NSCR relocation sites are currently in development: two in San Fernando, Pampanga, and one in Cutud, Angeles City. A total of 4,515 informal settler families will be relocated in the north, while 12,210 families are slated for the south.

Assistant Secretary for Right of Way and Site Acquisition (ROWSA) IC Calaguas emphasized the importance of resolving right-of-way issues to keep the train line on schedule.

“We are confident we can resolve all right-of-way issues and provide proper relocation for the affected residents,” he said.

Other relocation projects are also underway in partnership with the National Housing Authority, Social Housing Finance Corp., and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.