Manila, April 9 -- Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon on Wednesday ordered the fast-tracking of the Metro Manila-Bulacan portion of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR).

During an inspection of the NSCR project site, Dizon said the rail line would be a big boon to commuters as it would reduce travel time from Metro Manila to Malolos, Bulacan to a 30-minute train ride.

"Kabilang din sa mga istasyon ng tren ang iba pang mga bayan sa Bulacan tulad ng Marilao, Meycauayan, Bocaue, Balagtas at Guiguinto --at magpapatuloy hanggang Clark sa Pampanga (Other train stations are in the towns of Marilao, Meycauayan, Bocaue, Balagtas at Guiguinto --and this would go all the way to Clark, Pampanga)," he said.

The 147-kilometer NSCR will connect ...