Skytrain construction could start later this yr

CONSTRUCTION of a P3billion monorail that will connect Bonifacio Global City to the Metro Rail Transit- 3 station in Guadalupe could start later this year, Andrew Tanowned Alliance Global Group, Inc. (AGI) said on Monday.

The so- called Skytrain project, to be undertaken by unit Infracorp Development, Inc., has been granted original proponent status by the Department of Transportation, AGI said in a statement.

“We laud the government’s quick action to the proposal. This is another clear indication of the government’s serious commitment and focus on infrastructure developments,” Infracorp President Kevin Tan said.

“We can start the project before the year ends and this will take us two years to complete it. By early 2021, we can open the Skytrain to the public,” Tan claimed.

The project will still have to be approved by the National Economic and Development Authority. It will also have to undergo a Swiss challenge where other bidders will be invited to submit counter- offers.

The Skytrain monorail is expected to reduce travel time between Bonifacio Global City and MRT Guadalupe station to just five minutes.

“We envision to connect Makati to Taguig and vice versa. These two largest business districts in the country needsan efficient and fast transport system that is at par with what the other business districts in cosmopolitan cities like Tokyo and Sydney have,” Tan said.

AGI, which is engaged in real estate, food and beverages, and tourism, among other ventures, formed Infracorp last year in a bid to participate in the Duterte government’s “Build Build Build” program.

“Infracorp is also looking into other potential infrastructure projects, particularly on transport solutions, in several business districts around Metro Manila and in key growth areas under the country,” the company said.