DOTC draws up list of priority infra projects

THE Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) will propose a list of projects under the new Comprehensive and Integrated Infrastructure Program (CIIP) for 2010 to 2013.

The initial list includes the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT 1)-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Link Project, South Rail Phase 1 (Lucena to Legaspi), Phase 2 (Daraga, Albay to Matnog, Sorsogon) and the LRT 2 East Extension Project.

 The agency said the LRT-NAIA interconnection would cost about P5.05 billion. Its feasibility study would start next year.

”The funding to conduct a feasibility study is included under the proposed DOTC CIIP 2010 to 2013 budget programming,” the agency said.

Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) are updating the conceptual design/pre-feasibility study of the project.

The LRTA will also conduct a feasibility study for the P9.4-billion LRT 2 Phase 2 from Santolan Station in Marikina City to Masinag Junction in Antipolo, Rizal.

The DOTC said the funding for LRTA to carry out the procurement of consultancy services for the conduct of a feasibility study would also fall under the agency’s CIIP.

Also included is the SouthRail Project Phase 1-B from Lucena to Legaspi costing P34.1 billion, as well as Phase 2, from Daraga, Albay to Matnog, Sorsogon, which would cost P16.77 billion.

The project will be implemented by the Philippine National Railways.

The revitalized rail system from Caloocan to Bicutan began operating last month, while the Caloocan-to-Alabang stretch would be fully operational before the end of the year.

The operation of the Alabang to Calamba, Laguna stretch is expected to start next year.

The rehabilitation of trains and railway tracks from Caloocan to Calamba was funded by Korean official development assistance worth $59 million. –Darwin G. Amojelar, Senior Reporter, Manila Times