Thursday, November 22, 2018
Wednesday, November 21, 2018
Japanese consortium bags P11-B contract to build Metro Manila Subway
A consortium of Japanese companies bagged the contract to build has been awarded Metro Manila Subway for P11 billion contract, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said Wednesday.
“For the subway, the consortium has been awarded ... The winning bidder is OCGlobal, consisting of six Japanese firms,” Diokno told reporters during a breakfast forum in Manila.
The Japanese consortium consists of the following companies Oriental Consultants Global Co. Ltd., Tokyo Metro Co. Ltd., Katahira & Engineers International, Pacific Consultants Co. Ltd., Tonichi Engineering Consultants Inc. and Metro Development Co. Ltd.
“The amount involved is P11 billion. This is for general contracting for the subway,” Diokno said.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade earlier said the government was targeting to break ground for the Metro Manila Subway project in mid-December 2018.
The initial phase of the project covers the first three stations with which the Metro Manila Subway can start operating.
The Mindanao Avenue-Quirino Highway, Tandang Sora, and North Avenue stations are scheduled to start operating in May 2022.
The loan agreement for the project, amounting to ¥104.530 billion or around P51 billion, was signed between the Philippine government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) last March.
The country’s first subway rail system stretches 30 kilometers, with a total of 14 stations from Mindanao Ave. in Quezon City to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Parañaque City.
It has a provision for a 5-km extension and two additional stations to connect with the Light Rail Transit Line 1.
The subway train is expected to reduce commuting time from Quezon City to the airport to under 40 minutes.
The entire railway system is targeted to be completed in 2025.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/675537/japanese-consortium-bags-p11-b-contract-to-build-metro-manila-subway/story/
“For the subway, the consortium has been awarded ... The winning bidder is OCGlobal, consisting of six Japanese firms,” Diokno told reporters during a breakfast forum in Manila.
The Japanese consortium consists of the following companies Oriental Consultants Global Co. Ltd., Tokyo Metro Co. Ltd., Katahira & Engineers International, Pacific Consultants Co. Ltd., Tonichi Engineering Consultants Inc. and Metro Development Co. Ltd.
“The amount involved is P11 billion. This is for general contracting for the subway,” Diokno said.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade earlier said the government was targeting to break ground for the Metro Manila Subway project in mid-December 2018.
The initial phase of the project covers the first three stations with which the Metro Manila Subway can start operating.
The Mindanao Avenue-Quirino Highway, Tandang Sora, and North Avenue stations are scheduled to start operating in May 2022.
The loan agreement for the project, amounting to ¥104.530 billion or around P51 billion, was signed between the Philippine government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) last March.
The country’s first subway rail system stretches 30 kilometers, with a total of 14 stations from Mindanao Ave. in Quezon City to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Parañaque City.
It has a provision for a 5-km extension and two additional stations to connect with the Light Rail Transit Line 1.
The subway train is expected to reduce commuting time from Quezon City to the airport to under 40 minutes.
The entire railway system is targeted to be completed in 2025.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/675537/japanese-consortium-bags-p11-b-contract-to-build-metro-manila-subway/story/
Friday, November 16, 2018
Balfour, MRail to rehabilitate LRT power substations
LIGHT Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) on Thursday said it inked a P650-million deal with First Balfour, Inc. and MRail, Inc. for the rehabilitation of the power substations of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1).
First Balfour and MRail have committed to complete the rehabilitation of the substations, some of which are 30 years old, within two years. It will involve the replacement of major substation equipment such as the critical switchgears, rectifiers, transformer, cables, and upgrade of the supervisory control and data acquisition system.
“As they power our trains, the substations are absolutely critical to providing reliable electricity supply and efficient operations of trains,” LRMC President and CEO Juan F. Alfonso was quoted as saying in a statement.
LRMC, the consortium of Ayala Corp., Metro Pacific Light Rail Corp., and Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) Pte. Ltd., bagged the public-private partnership (PPP) project for the Cavite extension in September 2015.
https://www.bworldonline.com/balfour-mrail-to-rehabilitate-lrt-power-substations/
First Balfour and MRail have committed to complete the rehabilitation of the substations, some of which are 30 years old, within two years. It will involve the replacement of major substation equipment such as the critical switchgears, rectifiers, transformer, cables, and upgrade of the supervisory control and data acquisition system.
“As they power our trains, the substations are absolutely critical to providing reliable electricity supply and efficient operations of trains,” LRMC President and CEO Juan F. Alfonso was quoted as saying in a statement.
LRMC, the consortium of Ayala Corp., Metro Pacific Light Rail Corp., and Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) Pte. Ltd., bagged the public-private partnership (PPP) project for the Cavite extension in September 2015.
https://www.bworldonline.com/balfour-mrail-to-rehabilitate-lrt-power-substations/
DOTr official denies MRT rehab overpriced
An official of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) denied on Thursday allegations that the rehabilitation of the MRT-3 is overpriced.
DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan denied the allegations by Philippine Star columnist Jarius Bondoc that the cost for the rehabilitation of the railway has more than doubled from P7.5 billion to nearly P18 billion.
Bondoc wrote in his Nov. 14 column that the owner of the MRT-3, Metro Rail Transit Corp (MRTC), had proposed to do the same rehab for only P7.5 billion in 2016.
The price, Bondoc claimed, was quoted by Sumitomo Corp, which is the same company the DOTr has contracted to rehabilitate and maintain the MRT-3.
But Batan said Sumitomo made no such offer to MRTC.
"Sumitomo has not, formally or even informally, given a price quote to MRTC for the rehabilitation and for maintenance of the MRT-3 anytime in the last 5 years. And our proposal will be based on a very recent system audit on the current MRT 3 system," Batan said, quoting a statement that he said was from Sumitomo itself.
He also said the MRTC itself had no capability to rehabilitate Metro Manila's main railway.
"Nangongolekta lang yan ng renta mula sa DOTr at hindi naman talaga sya railway operator o railway developer," Batan said.
(MRTC just collects rent from the DOTr and is not really a railway operator or railway developer.)
The Japan International Cooperation Agency has committed to finance the rehab of the MRT-3.
The DOTr expects train service to improve by the third quarter of 2019.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/11/15/18/dotr-official-denies-mrt-rehab-overpriced
DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan denied the allegations by Philippine Star columnist Jarius Bondoc that the cost for the rehabilitation of the railway has more than doubled from P7.5 billion to nearly P18 billion.
Bondoc wrote in his Nov. 14 column that the owner of the MRT-3, Metro Rail Transit Corp (MRTC), had proposed to do the same rehab for only P7.5 billion in 2016.
The price, Bondoc claimed, was quoted by Sumitomo Corp, which is the same company the DOTr has contracted to rehabilitate and maintain the MRT-3.
But Batan said Sumitomo made no such offer to MRTC.
"Sumitomo has not, formally or even informally, given a price quote to MRTC for the rehabilitation and for maintenance of the MRT-3 anytime in the last 5 years. And our proposal will be based on a very recent system audit on the current MRT 3 system," Batan said, quoting a statement that he said was from Sumitomo itself.
He also said the MRTC itself had no capability to rehabilitate Metro Manila's main railway.
"Nangongolekta lang yan ng renta mula sa DOTr at hindi naman talaga sya railway operator o railway developer," Batan said.
(MRTC just collects rent from the DOTr and is not really a railway operator or railway developer.)
The Japan International Cooperation Agency has committed to finance the rehab of the MRT-3.
The DOTr expects train service to improve by the third quarter of 2019.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/11/15/18/dotr-official-denies-mrt-rehab-overpriced
LRMC hires Balfour, MRail for LRT rehab
Light Rail Manila Corp., the joint venture of Ayala Corp. and Metro Pacific Investments Corp., signed a P650-million contract with First Balfour Inc. and MRail Inc. for the rehabilitation of 11 rectifier substations along the 21-kilometer line of LRT Line 1.
“As they power our trains, the substations are absolutely critical to providing reliable electricity supply and efficient operations of trains,” LRMC president and chief executive Juan Alfonso said.
The rehabilitation of the substations will take two years to complete and involves the replacement of major substation equipment, such as the critical switch gears, rectifiers, transformer, cables, the enhancement of the supervisory control and data acquisition system which allows the real-time monitoring of faults at the substations, and the modernization of fire detection and suppression systems.
“Some of these substations are 30 years old and need to be modernized to ensure reliability and efficiency of electric supply to our trains,” Alfonso added.
The project is part of the ongoing LRT-1 system improvements, which include the rehabilitation of trains, renovation of the 20 stations, as well as the structural enhancements of the parapets.
The upgrade has increased the number of trains from 77 to 112 in its first three years, enabling LRMC to increase trips and accommodate more passengers.
LRMC in February this year signed a P450-million contract with Voith Digital Solutions Australia GmBH and Co KH to rehabilitate and upgrade the trains of Light Rail Transit Line 1.
The monthly ridership on LRT-1 hit a record high of 14 million in August this year.
LRMC won the bidding for the 11.7-kilometer Cavite extension project and took over the operation of LRT Line 1 on Sept. 12, 2015.
The Cavite extension will connect into the existing system immediately south of the Baclaran station and will extend to Niog, Bacoor, Cavite.
“As they power our trains, the substations are absolutely critical to providing reliable electricity supply and efficient operations of trains,” LRMC president and chief executive Juan Alfonso said.
The rehabilitation of the substations will take two years to complete and involves the replacement of major substation equipment, such as the critical switch gears, rectifiers, transformer, cables, the enhancement of the supervisory control and data acquisition system which allows the real-time monitoring of faults at the substations, and the modernization of fire detection and suppression systems.
“Some of these substations are 30 years old and need to be modernized to ensure reliability and efficiency of electric supply to our trains,” Alfonso added.
The project is part of the ongoing LRT-1 system improvements, which include the rehabilitation of trains, renovation of the 20 stations, as well as the structural enhancements of the parapets.
The upgrade has increased the number of trains from 77 to 112 in its first three years, enabling LRMC to increase trips and accommodate more passengers.
LRMC in February this year signed a P450-million contract with Voith Digital Solutions Australia GmBH and Co KH to rehabilitate and upgrade the trains of Light Rail Transit Line 1.
The monthly ridership on LRT-1 hit a record high of 14 million in August this year.
LRMC won the bidding for the 11.7-kilometer Cavite extension project and took over the operation of LRT Line 1 on Sept. 12, 2015.
The Cavite extension will connect into the existing system immediately south of the Baclaran station and will extend to Niog, Bacoor, Cavite.
Thursday, November 15, 2018
LRMC signs deal with First Balfour, MRail for LRT-1 rehab
The Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) on Thursday signed a P650-million deal with First Balfour Inc. and MRail Inc. for the rehabilitation of 11 substations of the Light Rail Transit-1 (LRT-1).
The rehabilitation, which would take two years to complete, would replace substation equipment such as “critical switch gears, rectifiers, transformer and cables.”
It will also enhance the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) to allow “real-time” monitoring of faults of the substations as well as the modernization of fire detection and suppression systems.
LRMC Chief Juan Alfonso said the rehabilitation of some 30-year-old substations was meant to enhance the electricity supply and the LRT-1 operations itself.
“As they power our trains, the substations are absolutely critical to providing reliable electricity supply and efficient operations of trains,” Alfonso said in a statement. “They also allow us to use newer, more sustainable technology to support our commitments to the environment as part of our ISO 45000 certification.”
The project is part of the improvements being implemented at the LRT-1 system such as rehabilitation of trains, renovation of 20 stations, and structural enhancements of the parapets.
The upgrade has increased the number of trains from 77 to 122. It also allowed the LMRC to heighten the number of trips and passengers.
The LRMC is a joint company of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation’s Metro Pacific Light Rail Corporation (MLPRC), Ayala Corporation’s Infrastructure Holdings Corporation (AC Infra), and the Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) PTE Ltd. (MIHPL). /ee
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1054034/lrmc-signs-deal-with-first-balfour-mrail-for-lrt-1-rehab
The rehabilitation, which would take two years to complete, would replace substation equipment such as “critical switch gears, rectifiers, transformer and cables.”
It will also enhance the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) to allow “real-time” monitoring of faults of the substations as well as the modernization of fire detection and suppression systems.
LRMC Chief Juan Alfonso said the rehabilitation of some 30-year-old substations was meant to enhance the electricity supply and the LRT-1 operations itself.
“As they power our trains, the substations are absolutely critical to providing reliable electricity supply and efficient operations of trains,” Alfonso said in a statement. “They also allow us to use newer, more sustainable technology to support our commitments to the environment as part of our ISO 45000 certification.”
The project is part of the improvements being implemented at the LRT-1 system such as rehabilitation of trains, renovation of 20 stations, and structural enhancements of the parapets.
The upgrade has increased the number of trains from 77 to 122. It also allowed the LMRC to heighten the number of trips and passengers.
The LRMC is a joint company of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation’s Metro Pacific Light Rail Corporation (MLPRC), Ayala Corporation’s Infrastructure Holdings Corporation (AC Infra), and the Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) PTE Ltd. (MIHPL). /ee
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1054034/lrmc-signs-deal-with-first-balfour-mrail-for-lrt-1-rehab
LRT-1 operator taps First Balfour, MRail for rehab works
Light Rail Manila, the LRT-1 operator, said Thursday it tapped First Balfour and MRail Inc for a P650-million rehabilitation project.
The 2-year initiative requires the replacement of power substation equipment and the upgrade of fire detection and suppression systems, LRMC said in a statement.
"As they power our trains, the substations are absolutely critical to providing reliable electricity supply and efficient operations of trains," said LRMC president and CEO Juan Alfonso.
The power project is part of an ongoing renovation of the LRT-1 line, which stretches from Roosevelt Avenue in Quezon City to Baclaran in Paranaque City, LRMC said.
With the upgrades, LRMC said it raised the number of trains to 112 from 77 over 3 years, helping bring monthly ridership to a record 14 million last August, the train operator said.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/11/15/18/lrt-1-operator-taps-first-balfour-mrail-for-rehab-works
The 2-year initiative requires the replacement of power substation equipment and the upgrade of fire detection and suppression systems, LRMC said in a statement.
"As they power our trains, the substations are absolutely critical to providing reliable electricity supply and efficient operations of trains," said LRMC president and CEO Juan Alfonso.
The power project is part of an ongoing renovation of the LRT-1 line, which stretches from Roosevelt Avenue in Quezon City to Baclaran in Paranaque City, LRMC said.
With the upgrades, LRMC said it raised the number of trains to 112 from 77 over 3 years, helping bring monthly ridership to a record 14 million last August, the train operator said.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/11/15/18/lrt-1-operator-taps-first-balfour-mrail-for-rehab-works
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Construction of 2 Zamboanga City flyovers starts this month
ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Department of Public Works and Highways-9 (DPWH-9) is eyeing to simultaneously undertake the construction of two flyovers and road widening projects in this city this November.
Leoncio Solamillo, DPWH-9 construction division chief, on Tuesday said the construction of the two flyovers will be undertaken by the regional office and the road widening, by the District Engineering Office of the agency.
The construction of the two flyovers will cost PHP458.14 million and is aimed at easing the traffic problem in this city.
One of the two flyovers will be constructed at the junction of the Maria Clara Lorenzo Lobregat (MCLL) Highway-Governor Camins-Veterans Avenues while the other one will be at the junction of Labuan-Limpapa Gabilan-San Roque.
Solamillo said they will conduct a rerouting traffic scheme dry-run on Thursday, Nov. 15, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the junction of MCLL highway-Governor Camins-Veterans Avenues to check on the volume of traffic in the area.
A rerouting of traffic will be implemented once the construction of the flyovers starts, which Solamillo said will start this month.
The flyover project was supposed to start on October 3 but was deferred upon the request of the city government in view of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival.
Meanwhile, the DPWH District Engineering Office (DPWH-DEO) has started the initial ground works in preparation for the road widening project along the stretch of Governor Camins Avenue from the intersection of Canelar-Sta. Maria road to the intersection of Mayor Vitaliano Agan Avenue.
The DPWH-DEO is tasked to widen the road by adding two lanes with a funding of PHP75.4 million. An amount of PHP18 million has also been allocated to widen, also by two lanes, the San Ignacio Bridge along Governor Camins Avenue. (PNA)
Leoncio Solamillo, DPWH-9 construction division chief, on Tuesday said the construction of the two flyovers will be undertaken by the regional office and the road widening, by the District Engineering Office of the agency.
The construction of the two flyovers will cost PHP458.14 million and is aimed at easing the traffic problem in this city.
One of the two flyovers will be constructed at the junction of the Maria Clara Lorenzo Lobregat (MCLL) Highway-Governor Camins-Veterans Avenues while the other one will be at the junction of Labuan-Limpapa Gabilan-San Roque.
Solamillo said they will conduct a rerouting traffic scheme dry-run on Thursday, Nov. 15, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the junction of MCLL highway-Governor Camins-Veterans Avenues to check on the volume of traffic in the area.
A rerouting of traffic will be implemented once the construction of the flyovers starts, which Solamillo said will start this month.
The flyover project was supposed to start on October 3 but was deferred upon the request of the city government in view of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival.
Meanwhile, the DPWH District Engineering Office (DPWH-DEO) has started the initial ground works in preparation for the road widening project along the stretch of Governor Camins Avenue from the intersection of Canelar-Sta. Maria road to the intersection of Mayor Vitaliano Agan Avenue.
The DPWH-DEO is tasked to widen the road by adding two lanes with a funding of PHP75.4 million. An amount of PHP18 million has also been allocated to widen, also by two lanes, the San Ignacio Bridge along Governor Camins Avenue. (PNA)
Toll execs eye bus ban on Skyway
An official of the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) on Tuesday said they are eyeing to impose a ban on buses to traverse along elevated parts of the Skyway.
TRB spokesperson Bert Suansing said the initiative aims to prevent incidents of overspeeding bus drivers which might result in accidents on the major thoroughfare.
“Pinag-uusapan pa lang na pagbawalan ang mga buses sa elevated portion ng Skyway kasi nga masyadong matulin magpatakbo ang mga drivers niyan. Lumalabag na sila sa ating regulasyon sa loob ng tollway. Kasi ang mga bus ang maximum speed nila dapat ay 80 kilometers per hour (kph). Mas madalas mabilis pa sa 80 kph ang tinatakbo nila (We are considering not allowing buses along the elevated portion of the Skyway because their drivers are driving too fast. They are violating the regulations on the tollway which sets a speed limit of 80 kilometers per hours. They usually breach the 80 kph speed limit),” Suansing said in a radio interview.
The TRB official said drivers who are overspeeding on the Skyway pose dangers to passengers and other motorists.
The agency is currently conducting simulations on the effect of the proposed bus ban, he noted.
“Atin pong i-aanunsyo sa publiko yan kapag naipatupad (We'll announce this to the public if this will be implemented),” Suansing said.
A truck ban has been implemented on the Skyway since November 2016 to improve traffic flow and ensure road safety.
Skyway is a 32-kilometer elevated expressway stretching from Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati City to Alabang-Zapote Road in Muntinlupa City, catering to an average of 300,000 passengers daily.
TRB spokesperson Bert Suansing said the initiative aims to prevent incidents of overspeeding bus drivers which might result in accidents on the major thoroughfare.
“Pinag-uusapan pa lang na pagbawalan ang mga buses sa elevated portion ng Skyway kasi nga masyadong matulin magpatakbo ang mga drivers niyan. Lumalabag na sila sa ating regulasyon sa loob ng tollway. Kasi ang mga bus ang maximum speed nila dapat ay 80 kilometers per hour (kph). Mas madalas mabilis pa sa 80 kph ang tinatakbo nila (We are considering not allowing buses along the elevated portion of the Skyway because their drivers are driving too fast. They are violating the regulations on the tollway which sets a speed limit of 80 kilometers per hours. They usually breach the 80 kph speed limit),” Suansing said in a radio interview.
The TRB official said drivers who are overspeeding on the Skyway pose dangers to passengers and other motorists.
The agency is currently conducting simulations on the effect of the proposed bus ban, he noted.
“Atin pong i-aanunsyo sa publiko yan kapag naipatupad (We'll announce this to the public if this will be implemented),” Suansing said.
A truck ban has been implemented on the Skyway since November 2016 to improve traffic flow and ensure road safety.
Skyway is a 32-kilometer elevated expressway stretching from Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati City to Alabang-Zapote Road in Muntinlupa City, catering to an average of 300,000 passengers daily.
MRT rehab to start in January
The rehabilitation work for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) is expected to start in January, an official of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Monday.
“Transition is already ongoing up to December; the full mobilization will be by January,” DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan said in a text message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
This follows last Thursday’s signing of the PHP18-billion (38-billion Japanese yen) loan agreement for the MRT rehabilitation project by the Department of Finance and the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
The loan agreement covers the repair and maintenance of the MRT-3’s electromechanical components, power supply, rail tracks, and depot equipment, and the overhaul of its 72 light rail vehicles.
The DOTr has earlier said that Sumitomo-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will take over the rehabilitation and maintenance of MRT-3.
Sumitomo-Mitsubishi designed and built the railway system from 1998 to 2000 and maintained the system from 2000 to 2012.
The DOTr expects an improvement in the MRT operations starting in the third quarter of next year, with the gradual increase of its passenger capacity.
It also projects the speed of the MRT trains to improve from 30 km. per hour (kph) to 60 kph, with its headway time reduced from the current seven minutes to 3.5 minutes.
The number of trains is also expected to increase by 20 train sets from the current 15 trains during peak hours.
The upgrade of the MRT-3 will take about 43 months, with the first 26 months focused on the rehabilitation of the entire system.
The 16-km. MRT rail line from North Ave. in Quezon City to Taft Ave. in Pasay City currently accommodates an average of 300,000 passengers per day.
“Transition is already ongoing up to December; the full mobilization will be by January,” DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan said in a text message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
This follows last Thursday’s signing of the PHP18-billion (38-billion Japanese yen) loan agreement for the MRT rehabilitation project by the Department of Finance and the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
The loan agreement covers the repair and maintenance of the MRT-3’s electromechanical components, power supply, rail tracks, and depot equipment, and the overhaul of its 72 light rail vehicles.
The DOTr has earlier said that Sumitomo-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will take over the rehabilitation and maintenance of MRT-3.
Sumitomo-Mitsubishi designed and built the railway system from 1998 to 2000 and maintained the system from 2000 to 2012.
The DOTr expects an improvement in the MRT operations starting in the third quarter of next year, with the gradual increase of its passenger capacity.
It also projects the speed of the MRT trains to improve from 30 km. per hour (kph) to 60 kph, with its headway time reduced from the current seven minutes to 3.5 minutes.
The number of trains is also expected to increase by 20 train sets from the current 15 trains during peak hours.
The upgrade of the MRT-3 will take about 43 months, with the first 26 months focused on the rehabilitation of the entire system.
The 16-km. MRT rail line from North Ave. in Quezon City to Taft Ave. in Pasay City currently accommodates an average of 300,000 passengers per day.
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