DOTr discussions with Jica to bring out better rail system projects

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista and Philippine National Railways chair Michael Macapagal. FILE PHOTO / courtesy of DOTR’s PNR

MANILA, Philippines — Continuous dialogue with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will fast-track the completion of major railway projects in the country, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Wednesday.

During a bilateral meeting between the DOTr, JICA, and the Japanese Ministry of Land Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista suggested that concepts and ideas raised at the meeting should be brought to the frontlines of rail projects.

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These projects include rail lines, depots, and stations.

“Let us move beyond table-top discussions. Let us cascade the inertia of transformation to the frontlines of these projects,” Bautista said.

The DOTr chief also stressed that the country’s 30-year railway master plan “must serve as a springboard” for discussions toward the sustainable operations of the Metro Manila Subway, North South Commuter Railway Extension Project, MRT-3, and other upcoming rail projects.

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“The challenge is to extract from today’s discussions how best to bridge the gap between our vision of an ideal rail industry and current status of our rail system operations,” said Bautista.