DOTr inaugurates expanded LRT-1 Baclaran depot

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has completed the expansion of the Light Rail Transit-1 Baclaran depot, which serves as another vital component in the LRT-1’s Cavite extension project.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade together with officials from the Japanese embassy, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Pasay City government led the inauguration of the expanded Baclaran depot of the LRT-1.

With the expansion of the LRT-1 Baclaran depot, 4.2 hectares were added to the existing 6.4-hectare depot, giving way to more rail tracks and maintenance facilities to support more train sets.

The project was funded through an official development assistance received from JICA.

Tugade said JICA has provided funding of P33 billion for the LRT-1 Cavite extension project, which included P5 billion for the Baclaran depot expansion.

“This is a humble gesture of highlighting the good relationship between Japan and the Philippines through a completed project assisted ably by Japanese business and by the Japanese government,” Tugade said.

Japanese Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko vowed to support the Philippines in its bid to advance its infrastructure.

LRT-1 private operator Light Rail Manila Corp. welcomed the civil works completion of the Baclaran expansion depot as it prepares for the operations of the new facility.