JICA, PH Gov’t Commence Installation Of LRT-2 EM System

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Philippine Government recently started the installation of the electro-mechanical system at the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 2 East Extension Project.

The project will boost the train’s capacity and promote seamless connectivity in Metro Manila.

The JICA assistance forms part of the Japanese bilateral aid agency’s support to the Philippine railway sector to help mitigate traffic congestion and reduce air pollution.

“The project is our way of contributing to a better quality of life of many Filipinos, especially the commuters who suffer from traffic everyday and deserve better connectivity. By supporting the Philippines’ transport infrastructure, we are also helping attract investments and create jobs in the country,” said JICA Philippines Chief Representative Yoshio Wada.

The ceremonial track laying of electro-mechanical system held last April 16 at the LRT Emerald Station was led by JICA Chief Representative Yoshio Wada, Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Koji Haneda, Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade Marikina City District Representative Bayani Fernando, Antipolo City Mayor Casimiro Ynares, DM Consunji Inc. Managing Director Daniel Villaviray, Light Rail Transit Authority Administrator Reynaldo Berroya, Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Danilo Lim, Marubeni Philippines Corporation President and CEO Naoto Tago, and Transport Undersecretary Timothy John Batan.

According to JICA, the electro-mechanical (EM) system is the last component of said railway extension project. The extension is within a 4-kilometer span of viaduct and two additional stations built by the government along Emerald Drive in Marikina City and Masinag in Antipolo City. Said EM system follows the government’s completion of the train’s viaduct and station.

Likewise, the EM system package for LRT Line 2 includes the power distribution system, signaling and telecommunications, operation control center, tracks, among others to meet the technology demands of an efficient railway system. The extension project is expected to be completed in the latter half of 2020 and transport an additional 80,000 passengers daily from the current daily ridership of 240,000.

Since the 1970s, JICA has been supporting the Philippine railway sector through detailed design studies and strategic mass rail transit development and capacity enhancement for LRT Lines 1 and 2 in Metro Manila. Recently, JICA has announced extending its continuing support to Philippine sustainable development through the Metro Manila Subway Project and the North-South Commuter Railway Project meant to develop the north-south transport backbone of the country. (PIA InfoComm/JICA)