DOTr vows LRT-1 ROW woes’ end

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is targeting to resolve the ongoing right-of-way (ROW) issues affecting the alignment of the remaining phases of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) Cavite extension this year.

“We hope to finalize the alignment of the Cavite extension, particularly in Las Piñas, by the first quarter — either in February or March. We will address all ROW concerns this year, especially in Las Piñas due to its realignment,” Transportation Undersecretary for Railways Jeremy Regino said in an interview.

The Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), the private operator of the LRT-1, opened the initial phase of the Cavite Extension in November 2024, which includes the first five stations: Redemptorist, MIA, Asia World, Ninoy Aquino and Dr. Santos.

Phases 2 and 3 will extend the project by an additional 11.7 kilometers up to Niog in Bacoor, Cavite.

Right-of-way issues

However, the remaining phases of the project have been delayed due to ROW issues. Securing the right of way is essential to keep the project moving forward and ensure its timely completion.

Without resolving these problems, the extension could face significant delays, affecting commuters and the economic benefits it promises for Cavite and nearby areas.

Construction of the Cavite Extension began in September 2019. LRMC has previously stated that the target completion for the entire LRT-1 Cavite Extension is by 2031.

The company secured the contract for this project at a cost of P34 billion back in 2015 but investments have since ballooned due to recent economic factors and the recent pandemic.