DOTr reviews LRMC proposal to complete common station

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is reviewing a proposal from Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), the operator of LRT-1, to complete the Unified Grand Central Station.

DOTr Undersecretary Timothy John Batan confirmed the agency has received LRMC's unsolicited proposal and aims to reach an agreement by year-end on how the private operator can assist in finishing the common station.

The DOTr had previously terminated the contract with BF Corp. and Foresight Development and Surveying Company Consortium for the common station due to excessive delays.

The government is committed to completing the common station, originally slated for 2021 but halted by the pandemic, by 2027.

LRMC's proposal will be submitted to the Department of Economy, Planning and Development Board for approval as it involves a public-private partnership.

Discussions will include financial arrangements for LRMC to recover its investment through the PPP structure.