Light Rail Manila Corp., a consortium led by Ayala Corp. and Metro Pacific Investments Corp., said on Wednesday it signed a P980-million deal with First Balfour to restore the structure of Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1.
The LRT-1 Structural Restoration Project includes the restoration of parapets, faulty concrete, and repair of river bridges of the system.
“This project is a priority for us given that it concerns the safety of our passengers,” LRMC president and chief executive Rogelio Singson said.
“While we have been working towards 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,” he added.
First Balfour previously worked on LRT-1 projects.
First Balfour in 2005 did the power supply and electrical works for the LRT-1 capacity expansion project and completed the design and build contract of the LRT-1 North Extension project, through a joint venture with DMCI.
The LRT-1 Structural Restoration Project was given the notice to proceed last month with target completion set in two years.
The project is aimed to enhance the safety and overall riding experience in LRT-1, and will complement the ongoing improvements implemented by LRMC in LRT-1 trains and all 20 stations.
LRMC earlier completed the rehabilitation of the Doroteo Station, which is part its P500-million Station Improvement Project.
LRMC is also working on the rehabilitation of United Nations, Gil Puyat, Abad Santos, Pedro Gil, and R. Papa Stations, which will be accomplished in June.
“By end 2017, LRMC will deliver a wholly refurbished train line, featuring stations that have been renovated and equipped with structural upgrades and new facilities to enhance passenger experience,” Singson said.
LRMC said as of end-December 2016, it was able to deploy up to 100 light rail vehicles or 30 trains per day. This was up from only 77 in September 2015, when the company assumed operation and maintenance of the train line.
It said with more LRVs serving a daily average of 420,000 passengers and through the implementation of effective management strategies, the time for a train to complete a loop improved from 118 minutes to 108 minutes.
The company earlier won the P65-billion LRT Line 1 extension project, with a premium bid of P9.35 billion in September 2014.
LRMC is responsible for the construction of the 11.7-kilometer extension from the present end point in Baclaran to the Niog area in Bacoor, Cavite.
It will consist of elevated guideways throughout most of the alignment, except for the guideway section at Zapote which will be located at grade. It will consist of the satellite depot and new station.
The extended rail line is expected to help increase the capacity of LRT 1 from 500,000 to 800,000 passengers daily and benefit more than four million residents in the southern part of Metro Manila and Cavite.