Phase1 LRT-1 Cavite Extension extension cost balloons due to delays

The first phase 1 of the P64 Billion LRT-1 Cavite Extension is 82.7 percent complete to date, although the project cost has ballooned by P2 to P3 billion because of delays, Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) President and CEO Juan F. Alfonso told reporters in a press briefing Thursday, April 13.

“We remain optimistic that we can start commercial operations of Phase 1 by the fourth quarter of 2024,” he added.

LRMC started constructing the 11.7 km, three-phased project in September 2019.

However, aside from work stoppages during the pandemic, the delivery of the Right-of-Way (ROW), supposed to be in 2015, has been delayed for over four years.

“We need 100 percent of the ROW,” Alfonso stressed.

Because of ROW issues, the budget for eight stations of the railway was spent on just five stations.

“The target this year is to complete all civil and equipment installation works so we can focus on commissioning the entire line by next year,” Alfonso maintained.

Already, LRMC has achieved a progress rate of 83 percent on the civil works and rail system works of P29 Phase One of the project

The viaduct was completed in February 2022, while the ongoing station construction includes architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and safety works.

In terms of rail system, trackwork and overhead catenary system installation are almost complete.

The construction of five new stations is in various stages of development with its Redemptorist Station registering 56 percent completion, MIA Station with 61 percent, Asia World with 51 percent, Ninoy Aquino Station with 55 percent, and Dr. Santos Station with 60 percent.

“Despite the challenges we have encountered, we remain focused and committed to deliver on our promise of upgrading the commuter experience,” says the LRMC President.

Since taking over the operations and maintenance the LRT-1 in 2015, LRMC has invested over P30 billion to improve the existing railway and make substantial progress in the construction of the Cavite Extension.

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The article was originally published in Manila Bulletin and written by Emmie V. Abadilla.