LRT-2’s second Antipolo extension plan progressing

MANILA, Philippines — The government is close to firming up a feasibility study for its plan to further extend the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) to the east.

The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) is refining the study for the LRT-2 Cogeo Extension Project before it submits the document to the National Economic and Development Authority for approval.

LRTA administrator Hernando Cabrera said approval of the feasibility study would ensure funding for the project.

The study will determine the amount needed to build the infrastructure. It will also show the projected increase in LRT-2’s ridership as a result of the expansion.

The LRTA plans to construct three new stations to the east of the railway, to ease ridership buildup in its current final stop in Masinag.

Prior to this, the LRT-2 was extended by two stations, Marikina-Pasig and Antipolo, to ferry commuters in the eastern corridor.

As proposed, the LRT-2 Cogeo extension will have stations at the SM Cherry Antipolo, Blue Mountains and Cogeo.

Meanwhile, the LRTA has received a budget of P2 billion to begin acquisition of right of way (ROW) for the P10.12-billion LRT-2 West Extension Project.

Earlier, Cabrera said the funding would be used to complete early works for the project, making sure that ROW is ready once construction begins.

The LRTA needs to relocate informal settlers living in Manila’s Port Area as well as utility assets, such as those for power and water, that would be hit by the LRT-2 expansion.

“We will prioritize the acquisition of right of way for the project. This will include moving utilities like electric poles and water pipelines (standing in the way),” Cabrera said.

The LRT-2 West Extension Project will bring the railway closer to downtown Manila by building stops in Tutuban, Divisoria and Pier 4.

The project will include acquisition of new trains to accomodate more riders arising from the extension.