P65-billion LRT-1 Cavite Extension breaks ground
If you’ve been living in Parañaque, Las Piñas, and Cavite and have been continually struggling with getting to other parts of Metro Manila, then you’re in for a treat. Prepare to breathe a sigh of relief (for now) as construction will soon start for the LRT-1 Cavite Extension project.
The P65-billion extension project for LRT-1 has finally started after six year’s worth of delays. No less than Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade led the groundbreaking ceremonies last May 4 in Brgy. San Dionisio, Parañaque City together with officials from Light Rail Manila Corp., who will handle the project.
“A well-meaning partnership between private sector and government can fast-track the projects. Naniniwala kami na kung tatapusin ang mga konstruksyon at imprastraktura sa lalong madaling panahon without sacrificing quality and cost, sa lalong madaling panahon, the benefits will immediately accrue to the people,” the DOTr Secretary said.
(A well-meaning partnership between the private sector and the government can fast-track [government] projects. We believe that if we can finish the construction of infrastructure projects as fast as possible without sacrificing quality and cost, the benefits will immediately accrue to the people.)
The 11-kilometer railway project was designed to extend the current LRT Line 1 from Redemptorist, Baclaran in Parañaque all the way up to Niog in Bacoor, Cavite. It is expected to serve around 300,000-410,000 passengers daily, pushing LRT-1’s load to over 800,000.
The extension will add eight stops to the existing 20 stations: ASEANA, MIA, Asia World, Ninoy Aquino, and Dr. A. Santos stations in Parañaque City; Las Piñas and Zapote stations in Las Piñas City; and Niog station in Bacoor, Cavite.
The project was approved by the National Economic and Development Authority last 2011, but was held back due to right-of-way issues with the local government units involved. Construction of the project is expected to start in June 2017, with a target completion date slated for October 2021.
Source: Department of Transportation, Philippine Daily Inquirer, ABS-CBN News, CNN Philippines
All images grabbed from the Department of Transportation’s Facebook page
