Right-of-way issues hound start of LRT1 extension’s Cavite leg — LRMC

Delays in the delivery of right-of-way are hampering the start of ground works for the last three stations of the Light Rail Transit Line 1’s (LRT1) extension all the way to Bacoor, Cavite, private operator Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) said Thursday.

In an interview with reporters, LRMC president Juan Alfonso said the Phase 1 of the 11.7-kilometer LRT1 Cavite Extension project is already 82.7% complete as of end-March 2023 since construction began in September 2019.

The project’s first phase covers the additional five stations of the LRT1 within the city of Parañaque, namely Redemptorist, MIA, PITX Asia World, Ninoy Aquino, and Dr. Santos.

Alfonso said LRMC has so far spent over P29 billion for the first five stations.

“No right-of-way yet for the next phase,” he said.

The second segment of the project includes the three remaining stations, namely Las Piñas, Zapote, and Niog.

Alfonso said right-of-way delivery for the three stations should be “100%” before LRMC can start construction.

“If you tell me 99% of the right-of-way [is delivered], I cannot start until it’s clear. The right-of-way for the last three stations have challenges,” he said.

“The 99% is the same as 1%, I cannot move. Not just the right-of-way, but also the utilities…,” he added.

Light Rail Transit Authority administrator Hernando Cabrera has earlier committed that the entire stretch of the LRT1 Cavite Extension project should be completed before the Marcos administration’s end of term in 2028.

Alfonso, however, said the company needs 100% of right-of-way for the phase 2 of the project.

“Once we have that then we can start. Then we can say we can finish in three to four years,” he said.

Nonetheless, the LRMC chief said the company is optimistic that the first five stations of the LRT1 Cavite Extension can start commercial operations by the fourth quarter of 2024.

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

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

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.—AOL, GMA Integrated News