The first phase of the Light Rail Transit Line-1’s (LRT-1) Cavite extension is nearing completion and may open in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to its private operator, Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC). (Photos from LRMC)
MANILA, Philippines — The private operator of Light Rail Transit Line-1 (LRT-1) on Wednesday said that the first phase of its Cavite extension is already 97 percent complete and is targeted to open in the fourth quarter of 2024.
The LRT-1 Cavite Extension Phase 1, the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) explained, will extend the existing LRT line by 6.2 kilometers (km), and will connect Baclaran Station in Pasay City to Dr. Santos Station in Parañaque City.
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This extension, once fully operational, would be able to ferry up to 600,000 passengers daily, LRT-1’s private operator noted in a statement.
According to the LRMC, the following new stations of the Cavite extension are nearing completion as of January 2024:
- Redemptorist Station at 93.3 percent
- MIA Station at 93.5 percent
- Asia World Station at 83 percent
- Ninoy Aquino Station at 88 percent
- Dr. Santos Station at 94 percent
Going into detail, LRMC said that a staircase and louver were installed at the Dr. Santos Station, while the MIA Station has finished its ceiling and is currently undertaking secondary steelwork. Drainage works have also begun at the Redemptorist Station, it added.
“Simultaneously, system works are progressing efficiently. Telecom installation activities at Dr. Santos and Redemptorist stations have been completed, and similar work has begun at MIA and Asia World stations,” LRMC continued.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on its website that the entire Cavite extension of the existing LRT-1 is 11.7 km long and would run from Baclaran to Niog in Bacoor, Cavite.
The DOTr also said that it would cut the travel time from Manila to Cavite from 1 hour and 10 minutes to only 25 minutes.
“The LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project is poised to significantly contribute to the nation’s economic growth and development by fostering improved connectivity between individuals and communities,” LRMC President and CEO Juan F. Alfonso said in the same statement.
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The private operator likewise committed to complete the project “on schedule and to the highest quality standards.”
Based on DOTr’s website, the project was 48 percent complete on August 31, 2020. The project, the department continued, was delayed for 20 years until about four years ago.