DOTC integrates LRT 1, Cavitex common station

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is set to integrate the bidding of the P65-billion Light Rail Transit line 1 Cavite extension project to the proposed “common station” linking the LRT and the Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT3).

Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said the government is keen on the proposal of the bidders to include the construction of the common station to the bidding of the proposed extension to Cavite.

 â€œWe want to make it part of the bid,” Abaya said.

Based on the recommendation of the agency’s Planning Department, the DOTC chief said it would be better if the construction of the common station is undertaken by the proponent of the LRT1 Cavite extension project so as not to cause delay.

Abaya pointed out that the DOTC has decided to extend the deadline for the submission of bids for the P65 billion LRT1 Cavite extension project by another month to May 28 instead of April 28.

The groups interested in joining the bidding include the tandem of infrastructure giant Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and conglomerate Ayala Corp. through the Light Rail Manila Consortium, construction giant DM Consunji Inc., Filipino-owned Megawide Construction Corp., Spanish-owned Globalvia Inversiones SAU, SMC Infra Resources Inc. of diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp., Eco Rail Services Inc. of businessman Reghis Romero II, and Malaysian-owned MTD Philippines Inc.

Abaya said Light Rail Manila and DMCI formally sought extension in the deadline for the submission of bids.

It would be recalled that the DOTC and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) declared a failed bidding after only one of the four prequalified bidders – Light Rail Manila Consortium – submitted a bid last Aug. 15 while other major proponents backed out due to concerns about the viability of the project.

According to him, the government would still shoulder the cost of the establishment of the common station while the winning proponent would undertake the construction.

“The government would still spend for this. So it won’t change the cost of the project,” he said.

Earlier, Abaya said the government stands to save P1 billion if the proposed MRT-LRT common station is constructed near the Trinoma Mall instead of SM City North EDSA.

However, the DOTC chief clarified yesterday that the government has yet to decide on the final location of the common station as the agency’s planning department has yet to submit its recommendation.