The railway track laying and the electromechanical system (EMS) installation comprising Package 3 of the LRT 2 East Extension Project will kick off today, 16 April 2019, signaling the transition of the project into its final phase.
The EMS is comprised of the signaling system, overhead catenary system, telecommunications system, and the power supply and distribution system.
The winning contractor, the consortium of Marubeni Corporation and DM Consunji Inc., is set to start the track works and the integration of the EMS into the existing system, and these are expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2020.
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P. Tugade lauded the efficient implementation of the rail line extension project, citing its role in enhancing the mobility and connectivity within the Greater Manila Area.
According to Sec. Tugade, once the project is completed, travel time from Recto in Manila to Masinag in Antipolo, Rizal will be significantly reduced.
“To give the Filipinos a comfortable life as President Rodrigo Duterte directed, we at the DOTr are working on ways to efficiently and effectively ferry our commuters. The LRT 2 East Extension Project ranks among such projects, for this shall ease the travel of our kababayans coming from Rizal to Manila. Once this is completed, travel time from Recto to Masinag will be reduced to 40 minutes compared to up to three hours travel via bus or jeepney,” the transportation chief said.
Extension Project now 60% complete
Package 1 which involved the construction of a viaduct was completed in March 2017, while Package 2 which involved the construction of two stations is 78 percent done as of March 2019. Overall, the Line 2 East Extension Project is already 60 percent completed.
“The first two phases of the project had a smooth implementation. Today’s track laying and EMS installation signify the culmination of the project and the realization of the much-awaited answer to the clamor of the commuting public from the eastern areas of Metro Manila for a fast, affordable and convenient means of mass transit system,” LRTA Administrator Reynaldo Berroya emphasized.
The four-kilometer extension to the existing 13.8-kilometer LRT 2 line is expected to transport an additional 80,000 passengers daily from the current average daily ridership of 240,000, with two new stations, namely, Emerald Station in Marikina, and Masinag Station at the Masinag Junction in Antipolo City.
"The LRT 2 extension will provide a smoother commuting experience and, ultimately, a better quality of life for people in eastern Metro Manila. We appreciate the fact that Japanese technologies are utilized toward this end and contribute to the alleviation of the traffic congestion in Metro Manila," said Yoshio Wada, JICA Philippines Chief.
Private Partners
Marubeni and DMCI, whose partnership spans more than three decades, have expressed their commitment to the timely completion of the project.
"Both companies aim to further contribute to the social and economic growth of the Philippines," said Naoto Tago, President and CEO of Marubeni Philippines Corporation, and spokesperson for the consortium. “We understand the importance of this project to the Filipino people and we will make sure that we deliver a working, high-quality track works, and a functioning E&M system by the last quarter of 2020."
Currently, the LRT-2 System, with 11 stations and having its terminal stations at Santolan in Pasig and Recto in Manila, traverses the East-West routes of Metro Manila.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
