NEDA approves MRT 7, LRT extension projects

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board has approved seven infrastructure projects worth P184.2 billion, including the MRT 7 and LRT Line 1 extension projects.

 

According to a statement released by the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson, the NEDA Board approved the MRT 7 and LRT Line 1 North and South Extension projects in a meeting Thursday.

 

The MRT 7 Project, which will cost P62.7 billion, involves the construction of a 22.8-kilometer rail system from North Avenue station in EDSA Quezon City to the proposed Intermodal Transportation Terminal (ITT) in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

 

There will be 14 stations along the project, which will pass through Commonwealth Ave., Regalado Ave., and Quirino Highway.

 

The LRT Line 1 South Extension Project, worth P64.9 billion, will extend the existing service line by 11.7 kilometers covering 10 more stations that will pass through Paranaque and Las Pinas up to Bacoor, Cavite.

 

Line 1 currently covers 21 stations from Roosevelt Avenue to Monumento (north link) to Baclaran. The total length of the service line is 20.7 kilometers.

 

On the other hand, the LRT Line 1 North Extension Project, costing P1.4 billion, will provide a common station for the LRT 1, MRT 3 and MRT 7 lines, as well as for road-based transportation systems. 

 

The OPS said head-to-head platforms for LRT 1 and MRT 3 and a 147.4-meter elevated walkalator to MRT 7 at North Avenue will also be constructed.

 

Aside from these, NEDA also approved the Mactan-Cebu International Airport New Passenger Terminal Project, the DOH Modernization of the Philippine Orthopedic Center, and the MWSS Bulacan Bulk Water Supply Project.

 

The Mactan-Cebu Terminal Project, which will cost P17.5 billion, involves the construction of a new passenger terminal, the renovation of an existing terminal, operation and maintenance of both old and terminals during the entire concession period.

The project will also involve the relocation of Philippine Air Force facilities.

 

On the other hand, the modernization of the Philippine Orthopedic Center project will develop a 700-bed "super specialty tertiary orthopedic hospital." The project will cost P5.6 billion.

 

The MWSS project, costing P24.4 billion, will meanwhile provide potable water to Bulacan.

 

The NEDA Board also approved the development of two mass transportation terminals worth P7.7-billion at the southern outskirts of Metro Manila.

 

One will be located at SLEX Terminal at the FTI Compound in Taguig City and will service passengers traveling to and from Laguna and Batangas.

 

The Coastal Road Terminal will meanwhile be located beside Asiaworld/Uniwide along the Manila-Cavite Expressway in Parañaque City. The terminal will be for passengers traveling to and from Cavite.

 

NEDA is headed by the President, who sits as chairman of the board. The Secretary of Socio-Economic Planning, concurrently NEDA Director-General, is the board's vice-chairman. — JDS, GMA News