By Aerol John Pateña/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — The extension of the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2), which will connect the eastern side of Metro Manila with the greater part of the National Capital Region, is set to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2020 with the laying of its tracks and installation of the electromechanical system (EMS), the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Tuesday.
“With the construction of the two stations to be finalized by the fourth quarter of 2020, the travel time of three hours from Recto to Masinag will be reduced to 40 minutes,” DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said in his speech during the ceremonial track laying and installation of the EMS, which marks the final phase of the LRT Line 2 East Extension Project.
Under this project, two additional stations will be built — the Emerald Station near the boundary of Pasig City and Cainta, Rizal and Masinag Station in Antipolo City.
The new stations are expected to accommodate an additional 80,000 passengers boosting the LRT-2’s current daily ridership of 240,000 passengers.
A joint venture between Japan-based firm Marubeni Corporation and DM Consunji Inc. (DMCI) was awarded the PHP3.2 billion contract by the DOTr last February for the installation of track works and EMS, which forms Package 3 of the LRT East Extension Project.
Package 1, which involves the construction of a viaduct, was completed in March 2017 while Package 2, or the construction of Emerald and Masinag stations, is 78 percent finished as of March 2019.
In total, the LRT Line 2 East Extension Project is already 60 percent complete.
Meanwhile, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda said the extension project is a manifestation of the strong partnership between Philippines and Japan.
“I am impressed by the amazing progress of our joint projects with the DOTr under the solid leadership of Secretary Arthur Tugade. Today’s occasion reaffirms Japan’s commitment to the Philippines. It is an excellent example of what we can achieve when our countries work together,” Haneda said.
Through the east rail extension, the LRT Line 2 — which is currently linked to the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) via Cubao Station and the LRT Line 1 via Recto Station — will connect Marikina, Antipolo City in Rizal and other eastern areas to the center of Manila through the Metro Manila Subway via Anonas Station, the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Station via Tutuban Station, and the Port of Manila North Harbor Terminal via the LRT Line 2 West Extension Project.
The LRT-2 East Extension Project will be funded through the General Appropriations Act for its civil works and Official Development Assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency for the track works and EMS.
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