Wednesday, January 21, 2009 [ manilatimes.net ]
By Darwin G. Amojelar, Reporter
THE Department of Transportation and Communications is asking the Department of Budget and Management to release hundred millions of pesos to finance the common stations for three rail systems.
The Transport official, who requested anonymity, said the budget of P777 million will be used to fund the “Grand Central Terminal,” the common station for Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT 3) and Line 7 (MRT 7), as well as the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT 1) North Extension Project.
The new terminal would be constructed near the SM North Annex in Quezon City and will connect the MRT 3 and 7 and LRT 1 North Extension.
The LRT 1 North Extension project, which is expected to complete in May next year, will cost around P6.32 billion.
Of the total, civil and architectural work would cost P3.3 billion; electromechanical works, P1.9 billion; consultancy services, P317.4 million; contingency, P318 million; and inflation adjustment, P342.35 million.
The joint venture of D.M. Consunji and First Balfour last year won the contract to construct the LRT 1 North Extension Project.
The project involves the extension of LRT 1 to the North Avenue station of MRT 3, the construction of two new intermediate stations (Balintawak and Roosevelt) and a terminal station (LRT 1 North Avenue station).
The Balintawak station will provide modal interchange with bus and jeepney services entering Metro Manila from the north via the North Luzon Expressway.
Once running, the LRT 1 North Extension is expected to serve about 800,000 to 1 million passengers.
The LRT 1 North Extension Project, which aims to close the EDSA Loop, will need three additional stations from the existing Monumento Station of and ending at the North Avenue Station of MRT 3.
