The Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) Cavite Extension may have an extra cost of up to P4 billion due to delays brought on by the pandemic, according to Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC).
LRMC President and Chief Executive Officer Juan F. Alfonso said, “The cost will definitely be higher … because of the pandemic … I think around P2-P4 billion additional cost.”
The LRMC said on Thursday that as of March 31, 82.7 percent of the extension project was completed.
“We remain optimistic that we can start commercial operations of Phase 1 by the fourth quarter of 2024,” Alfonso said.
The five stations make up the first segment: Dr. Santos, Redemptorist, MIA Road, Asia World, and Ninoy Aquino.
The Las Piñas Station and Zapote Station make up the second phase, and the Niog Station makes up the third and final phase.
“The target this year is to complete all civil and equipment installation works so we can focus on commissioning the entire line by next year,” Alfonso said.
According to Alfonso, the company began the construction of the 11.7-kilometer, three-phase project in September 2019.
“Despite the challenges we have encountered, we remain focused and committed to deliver on our promise of upgrading the commuter experience,” he said.
The LRT-1 Cavite Extension is expected to reduce the travel time between Pasay City and Cavite to just 25 minutes.
Thumbnail photo courtesy of LRMC /website
