Bidders for LRT-MRT central station sought

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) has called on interested firms to compete for the contract to build the “grand central station,” which will connect the Light Rail Transit (LRT) line 1 and the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) line.

The common station, estimated to cost P1.5 billion, will be the last part of the “closing the loop” project that aims to turn the two separate train lines into one integrated system.

The DoTC on June 2 published an invitation for companies to submit “expressions of interest” in taking on the project. Companies were also asked to submit applications for eligibility to join the bidding for the contract.

“The project is located along the LRT line 1 North Extension Project near the intersection of North Avenue and West Avenue, Quezon City,” the DoTC said. This will be right in front of SM North Edsa, the biggest mall in the country.

The department said it wants the project completed in about a year.

The DoTC said prospective bidders should have completed a similar project that is at least half the size and cost of the common station to be eligible to join the auction.

“Procurement of the required services shall be conducted through open competitive bidding,” the DoTC said. Companies are given until June 15 to submit expressions of interest.

The common station will also be used as the first station in the planned MRT line 7 that will stretch all the way to Bulacan.

The first phase of the LRT North Extension, which was the construction of train tracks from Monumento to North Avenue, was completed in February last year.

Two new stations-Balintawak and Roosevelt-were opened later in the year, leaving the common station as the missing piece.