MRT-3 rehab will take 26 months, transport officials

April 6, 2018

It will take 26 months to restore the MRT-3 Line to its original design conditions, according to the Department of Transportation (DoTr) on Friday.

This is cited in the minutes of discussion for the fact-finding mission by officials of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and DOTr officials this week and which was signed on April 4.

"Based on the discussions, the rehabilitation works needed to restore MRT-3 to its original design conditions will take 26 months," the DOTr said in a statement.

These cover items which include MRT-3 trains, power supply system, overhead catenary system, radio system, CCTV system, public address system, signalling system, rail tracks, elevators, escalators, the statement said.

"We move closer to mobilizing Phase 2 of our 3-phase 'fix MRT-3 strategy' with just the JICA Appraisal Mission remaining before the Exchange of Notes and the Loan Agreement are signed between the governments of the Philippines and Japan," the DOTr said.

After the rehabilitation scope of works are determined, the estimate project cost will follow by mid-April, it added.

DOTr added that terms of the loan from Japan will be o.10 percent per annum with a 40-year repayment period and 12 years principal grace period.

Signing of the appraisal mission, exchange of notes and loan agreement are targeted in May, said DOTr.

The Japanese rehabilitation and maintenance service provider will be mobilized "as early as the same month," said DOTr.  DMS