LRT 2 extension project shelved

MANILA, Philippines – The government has postponed the P9.76-billion Light Rail Transit (LRT) 2 East Extension Project pending the result of a study on its viability.

“The President wanted to make sure that there will be sufficient or enough market to serve the extended railway project,” said Transportation Secretary Manuel Roxas.

The LRT 2 extension is one of 5 projects that were approved by the National Economic and Development Authority board in May.

It involves a 4.2-kilometer railway that will extend LRT 2 all the way to Masinag, Antipolo City. Two stations will be located at Emerald Drive, Cainta and Masinag Junction, Antipolo. The project will be financed solely by its proponent, the Department of Transportation and Communications.

The project “will provide rapid and reliable mode of transit to the east of Manila and to various strategic commercial, industrial and educational districts in Metro Manila,” Neda Deputy Director-General Rolando Tungpalan earlier said.

There are currently two existing LRT lines. Line 1 spans from Baclaran in Pasay to Monumento, Caloocan, while Line 2 runs from Santolan in Pasig City to Recto in Santa Cruz, Manila.

There were also plans to undertake a western extension project that will extend Line 2 by about 1.62 kilometers from Recto to Delpan Street in front of Tutuban up to Divisoria Mall. – Rappler.com