Full right-of-way acquisition for the final stations of the LRT1 Cavite extension is scheduled for 2025.

So far, the Department of Transportation has completed “more than 80%” of the rights-of-way acquisitions covering Las Piñas, Zapote and Niog stations

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

According to Transportation Undersecretary Jeremy Regino, the department has completed “more than 80 percent” of rights-of-way acquisitions for segments 2 and 3 of the Cavite expansion. This includes stations planned in Las Piñas, Zapote and Niog.

The acquisition of rights of way is important because it constitutes consent to the implementation of government projects on land owned by other entities – whether this be a group of private individuals in subdivision areas or a private company.

“We just need to move the utilities and a few plots of land… I hope that by next year, has-complete on me (we’ll finish this),” Regino said.

On August 1, the DOTr met with representatives of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) to discuss the relocation of electricity poles as part of the national rail projects.

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

In May 2019, Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) broke ground on the 11.7-kilometer extension of the LRT1 Cavite Line, with physical construction work beginning on September 29, 2019. The project was delayed several times due to right-of-way issues and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first five stations under the expansion project are expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2024. By the end of the year, LRT1 passengers will finally be able to use Redemptorist-ASEANA Station, Manila International Airport Station, Asia World Station, Ninoy Aquino Station and Dr. Santos Station.

LRMC is suspending LRT1 operations for the next three weekends — August 17 to 18, August 24 to 25, and August 31 to September 1 — as the rail operator prepares to integrate the LRT1 system with the Cavite Extension system.

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

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