Expanded LRT2 in gov’t hands

Promise of a better commuting experience will now become a reality

The Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2), also known as the LRT-2 East Extension, started operation on Monday, adding 80,000 new passengers to the train line's daily capacity of 240,000 and significantly reducing travel time from Manila to Antipolo to 30 minutes from the usual three hours via bus or jeepney.

In a Philippine Stock Exchange report, Marubeni and D.M Consunji Inc. formally turned over the Manila Light Rail Transit Line 2 to the Department of Transportation (DoTr). Marubeni and DMCI were awarded the project by DoTr in 2019.

“The promise of a better commuting experience will now become a reality,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.

“The project shall likewise increase the rail line’s average daily passenger capacity from 240,000 to 320,000,” he added.

President Rodrigo Duterte, accompanied by Tugade, attended the inauguration ceremony at the Antipolo station in Rizal on 1 July.

Systems all set

Marubeni and DMCI completed electrical and mechanical systems for the four-kilometer extended railway line with two additional stations eastwards to the existing LRT-2, which is a 13.8-kilometer elevated metro line with 11 stations connecting to the east and west of Metro Manila.

The project of the existing LRT-2 line was awarded to Marubeni in 2000 and completed in 2004.

The extension line passes through the cities of Pasig, Marikina, Cainta and Antipolo.

Located along the stretch of Marikina-Infanta Highway, the Antipolo station is near the intersection of Sumulong Highway while the Marikina station is near the intersection of Gil Fernando Avenue.

Marubeni and DMCI completed electrical and mechanical systems for the four-kilometer extended railway line with two additional stations eastwards to the existing LRT-2.

Aside from improving connectivity, mobility and accessibility in Metro Manila and Rizal, the eastward extension can reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, which are serious concerns in Metro Manila.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF LTR2 Vow fulfilled After more than two decades from a 1999 transportation study, nine years from National Economic and Development Authority approval in 2012, six years from its groundbreaking, four years from the ceremonial track-laying in 2017, and after months of unexpected delays due to the pandemic, the LRT-2 East Extension Project adding Antipolo and Marikina stations is now open.