By Ashley Karen
To ease congestion around Manila in the Philippines, contractor Leighton Asia has won a deal to construct a section of the North-South Commuter Railway System.
The Leighton-First Balfour JV will build Package S-03B for the project, which will be worth US$187.3 million in revenue for Leighton Asia, part of the CIMIC Group.
The Asian Development Bank has financed SCR CP S-03B, which is a section of the nearly 56 km-long railway.
The joint venture’s works for approximately 6.1km of the railway (4.7km of the underground railway and 1.4km of at-grade railway) include tunnel, building and civil engineering works.
It also includes tunnelling works to connect to the Metro Manila Subway Project Senate Station, the construction of a station, and façade, mechanical, electrical and other ancillary works.
The construction will start in the third or fourth quarter of 2023 and will be completed by 2029.
The railway comprises 19 stations and runs along the existing Philippine National Railway between metro Manila and Calamba, southern Luzon.
Juan Santamaria, CIMIC Group executive chairman, stated, “the project is part of the government’s larger strategic transportation network to boost economic and urban growth between metro Manila and southern Luzon. We have a proven history in the region and we are pleased to be selected to deliver a vital infrastructure project that will benefit the community for decades to come.”
Brad Davey, Leighton Asia managing director, mentioned “Leighton Asia has a strong track record and expertise in delivering world-class railway projects. Our portfolio includes the Express Rail Link West Kowloon Terminus Station in Hong Kong, the largest underground railway station in the world. We are honored to deliver the SCRP CP S-03B package and are committed to leveraging our 26 years of local experience in the Philippines to provide a safe and quality asset for our client and community.”
Hyundai Engineering & Construction won a US$1.2 billion deal last year to construct 32km of track and three of nine stations on the railway.
Spanish contractor Acciona won a US$530 million deal in February this year to construct 7.9km of track on a viaduct in Manila and three stations (España, Santa Mesa and Paco).
