LRMC, First Balfour sign deal to undertake repairs on LRT-1

Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) recently signed a deal with engineering and construction firm First Balfour for the R980-million repair of 36year-old parapets – the low protective wall running along the railway's edge, faulty concrete and connecting river bridges.

So far, the LRT 1 Structural Restoration Project is the largest single contract awarded for the existing line to date and a major component of enhancing passenger safety.

This is a priority because it concerns the safety of our passengers, LRMC President and CEO Rogelio L. Singson reiterated.

“While we have been working towards powering up more trains, replacing the tracks and improving the environment of the stations, the structural integrity of all LRT-1 stations is our prime concern and responsibility.

First Balfour has worked on LRT-1 projects before. In 2005, the firm took care of the power supply and electrical works for the LRT-1 capacity expansion project. In addition, the company completed the design and build contract of the LRT-1 North Extension project via a joint venture with DMCI.

The LRT-1 Structural Restoration Project was given the Notice to Proceed this March and is expected to be finished in two years.

Aside from enhancing passenger safety and overall riding experience, the restoration complements LRMC's ongoing overhaul of LRT-1 trains and all 20 stations.

LRMC is a joint venture company of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation’s Metro Pacific Light Rail Corporation (MPLRC), Ayala Corporation’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation (AC Infra), and the Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure’s Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) PTE Ltd. (MIHPL).