Full right-of-way acquisition for LRT1 Cavite Extension’s last stations eyed by 2025

So far, the Department of Transportation has finished ‘more than 80%’ of the right-of-way acquisitions covering the Las Piñas, Zapote, and Niog stations

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) expects to complete the acquisition of right-of-way requirements for the last three stations of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT1) Cavite Extension by the end of 2025.

According to Transportation Undersecretary for Railways Jeremy Regino, the department has finished “more than 80%” of the right-of-way acquisitions for segments 2 and 3 of the railway’s Cavite extension. This covers stations planned for Las Piñas, Zapote, and Niog.

Right-of-way acquisitions are important as these serve as clearance for government projects to be constructed on land belonging to other entities — whether these may be a group of private citizens in subdivision areas or a private company.

“It’s just the relocation of utilities that needs to be done and a few lots…. Hopefully, by next year, has-complete on me (we will have it completed),” Regino said.

On August 1, the DOTr met with the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) to discuss the relocation of electrical posts for the country’s railway projects.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista thanked the utility company “for acting swiftly.” So far, Meralco has completed 47% of around 700 relocation work orders for various projects, according to the DOTr.

Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) broke ground for the 11.7-kilometer LRT1 Cavite Extension in May 2019, while physical construction began on September 29, 2019. The project has been delayed several times due to right-of-way issues and the COVID- 19 pandemic.

The first five stations of the extension project are expected to open by the fourth quarter of 2024. By the end of the year, LRT1 passengers can finally access the Redemptorist-ASEANA Station, Manila International Airport Station, Asia World Station, Ninoy Aquino Station, and Dr. Santos Station.

LRMC will be suspending operations of the LRT1 for the next three weekends — August 17 to 18, August 24 to 25, and August 31 to September 1 — as the railway operator prepares to integrate the LRT1’s system with that of the Cavite extension.

“This system migration is a critical step in ensuring the safe and efficient operations of the extended LRT1 line. We understand the inconvenience this may cause to our passengers. However, we would like to assure (them) that the temporary closures will result (in) long-term convenience once the extended LRT1 line becomes operational,” LRMC general manager Enrico Benipayo said in a statement on Friday, August 9.

“We are working diligently to complete this project as safely, efficiently, and quickly as possible,” he added. – Rappler.com