MANILA, Feb. 19 — Manila-Sorsogon multi-billion peso mega commuter rail system up and running by 2019. Sounds promising this “new” project if pursued by the government to completion.
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) board, chaired by President S. Aquino III, approved late Monday several mega-projects which include the multi-billion peso north-south railway system.
It targets to commercially open the P287-billion North-South Railway System, which will run from Manila to Sorsogon, in a matter of five years.
With the Philippines lagging behind its peers in terms of infrastructure,
According to Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio A. Abaya, his office is more determined to turn plans into reality, cosidering the country lags behind in terms of infrastructure.
The P287 billion commuter-rail system, will be auctioned off sometime this year.
The first phase of the facility will involve the construction of a 36.7-kilometer narrow gauge elevated commuter railway from Malolos in Bulacan to Tutuban in Manila. It is seen to be completed by the third quarter of 2017.
The second phase, will extend the commuter rail up to Matnog, Sorsogon, seen be completed by the fourth quarter of 2019.
“The system will be operational four years into the term of the next president. So it is critical at this point that we make the right plans and decisions and bid projects out, because it takes time before these kinds of projects to be completed,” Abaya said in a news briefing on Tuesday.
The two-phase deal will be implemented under the official development assistance and Public-Private Partnership Program. (from news wires)
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The clear and present danger of allowing a homegrown enterprise on train rail skate transportation results to this kind of accident.. Obviously, failure on the part of the government to provide a safer transport system is one culprit. Rural areas in railroad towns have no roads to boast.