MANILA, Philippines — The Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) on Wednesday signed an agreement with two Japanese firms for the operations and maintenance of the LRT-1 system.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista and Japan International Cooperation Agency officials witnessed the contract signing between LRMC, Sumitomo Corporation, and Hankyu Corporation.
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In a statement, the Department of Transportation said that Hankyu Corp. will provide technical assistance to help assess LRT-1’s operations and enhance its processes and personnel training.
“This added layer of assistance will be most helpful, especially at this time when the Cavite Extension is about to start partial operations very soon,” Bautista said, noting that the agreement was timely as partial operations for the LRT-1 Cavite extension are set for late 2024.
“This latest partnership for LRT-1’s operations and maintenance serves as showcase to convince new Japanese investors to seriously consider Philippine mass transport projects,” he added.
Hankyu Corp. Senior Managing Director Masayoshi Uemora, for his part, said constructing railway systems in the Philippines is “of vital importance to mitigate traffic congestion.”
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“Railway service plays an increasingly important role in helping solve this crisis,” he said.
Founded in 1907, Hankyu Corp. has been operating 190 kilometers of railway lines in Japan’s Kansai region.