LRMC taps First Balfour for P980-M LRT-1 upgrade

MANILA, Philippines -  Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) has signed an agreement with engineering and construction firm First Balfour for the P980 million structural restoration project for the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1.

LRMC said the project is the single largest contract awarded for the LRT-1. Line 1 serves 20 stations from Baclaran station in Pasay City to Roosevelt in Quezon City.

The project involves restoration of parapets, faulty concrete, and repair of river bridges for enhanced passenger safety.

“This project is a priority for us given that it concerns the safety of our passengers,” LRMC president and chief executive officer Rogelio Singson said.

“While we have been working toward powering up more trains, replacing the tracks, and improving the environment of the stations, the structural integrity of all LRT-1 stations is our prime concern and responsibility,” Singson said.

The project was given the notice to proceed in March.

It is targeted to be completed in two years.

Once completed, the project is expected to provide a better riding experience, as well as complement other improvement works being undertaken by LRMC for the LRT-1.

In the past, First Balfour has worked on other projects for the LRT-1.

In 2005, First Balfour worked on the power supply and electrical works for the LRT-1 capacity expansion project. It likewise completed the design and build contract of the LRT-1 North Extension project through a joint venture with DMCI.

LRMC which is composed of Metro Pacific Investments Corp.’s Metro Pacific Light Rail Corp., Ayala Corp.’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp., and Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) PTE Ltd., bagged the P65-billion public-private partnership (PPP) project to operate, maintain and extend the LRT-1.

Under the contract for the PPP project, the LRT-1 will be extended until Bacoor in Cavite.

The extension which covers 11.7-kilometers, involves putting up new stations across Pasay City, Parañaque City, Las Piñas City and Cavite.