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Metrolink bags P230-M contract for LRT
By Lenie Lectura
Reporter


METROLINK JV has bagged the P230-million consultancy contract for the construction of the North Extension railway project.

Metrolink bested Schema Konsult-DCCD Engineering Corporation-Katahira & Engineers, Asia Inc.-Asia Halcrow Inc. and SPI-JCCS-WCI Joint Venture.

The North Extension Project is estimated to cost P6.57 billion.

All firms were deemed qualified after the submission and opening of their eligibility documents and letters of intent last February. They have proven track records in the rail industry not only in the Philippines but also internationally.

The agency received offers from seven bidders during the prequalification bid but only the three firms were selected.

“Out of the three, we awarded the contract to Metrolink JV a couple of weeks ago. They are composed of Filipino and Japanese firms that are very experienced in this kind of project. They will come up with a feasibility study,” said Light Rail Transit Authority administrator Melquiades Robles in a phone interview.

The North Extension Project will extend the LRT Line 1 to the north, through the construction of a 5.4-kilometer elevated line from the existing Monumento Station to the North Avenue station of the Metro Rail Transit 3. This will close the Edsa loop.

The North Extension is a top priority project of the Arroyo administration. It is expected to serve up to 1 million passengers once it is fully operational.

Robles said the project’s implementation is track and construction of the extension will begin early next year.

The Transit Authority is the implementing agency for this project. Robles said the North Extension railway system is still the cheapest, fastest and most viable option. That’s why President Arroyo entrusted the project’s implementation to their office.

“If undertaken by us, the project will only cost P6.57 billion, since we already have the needed rolling stock and we will only have to construct four stations,” he said.

The Transit Authority has a total fleet of 135 light rail vehicles, including 48 newly inaugurated third-generation trains. It has increased capacity from 27,000 passengers per hour per direction to 40,000.

Other proponents have offered to close the loop for P34.2 billion, Robles said.