LRMC lauded for progress in LRT works

MANILA, Philippines — Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), the private operator of LRT-1, has received a commendation from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for the progress of the ongoing construction of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension.

Since the start of civil works last Sept. 1, the pre-cast yard and staging area have been completed.

“I’m really very happy that I saw excavations and vertical pillars. I will say I'm very impressed with what I saw. The construction is moving so fast that it is unbelievable," Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.

LRMC said six piers and five portals have also been built from the pre-cast yard toward the area of Dr. Santos station.

Preparations of the bored piling works along Ninoy Aquino Avenue is on-going and construction of MIA station will commence in 2020.

LRMC is working closely with DOTr and Light Rail Transit Authority for the Cavite Extension project under the Build Build Build program.

“We thank the good Secretary Tugade and our partner government and private agencies for their support to make the LRT-1 Cavite Extension project happen. The construction has really started and we're excited for our Filipino passengers to finally experience a comfortable, safe and efficient mode of transportation that they deserve,” LRMC president and CEO Juan Alfonso said.

The 11.7-kilometer project aims to cut travel time between Baclaran and Bacoor from one hour and 10 minutes to just 25 minutes.

From Baclaran, eight more stations – Redemptorist, MIA, Asiaworld, Ninoy Aquino, Dr. Santos, Las Piñas, Zapote and Niog – will be added which will increase the total number of LRT-1 stations from 20 to 28.

Once fully operational, the entire line of LRT-1 is expected to accommodate 800,000 passengers daily, nearly double its current average ridership of 480,000 to 500,000 passengers daily.