An interconnected and integrated system of people-focused mobility options that caters to all is what the country needs to drive a strong and sustainable economic recovery post-pandemic.
This, according to SMC president and chief executive officer Ramon S. Ang, is the vision behind its current and future infrastructure projects, which he said are all aimed at alleviating traffic and pollution, boosting economic activity, creating jobs and opportunities in the provinces, and improving quality of life within the metropolis.
Ang yesterday led the official unveiling of six brand-new trainsets, or a total of 18 train cars, for its much-anticipated MRT-7 mass transit system project.
The train sets comprise the first batch of 36 trainsets or total 108 cars acquired by SMC for the project. They were manufactured by South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem and started arriving in the country towards the end of this year.
“MRT-7 is a vital cog in our long-term goal to develop an integrated and interconnected transportation system where people from all income levels can get around and beyond the metropolis, quickly and efficiently,” Ang said.
“More than an affordable, reliable, and efficient means to move people, MRT-7 signifies a turning point, in our resolve to promote equity and inclusivity across our cities. It’s a vehicle for opportunities, equity, and better quality of life for Filipinos,” He added.
The project, a 22-km rail and road development starting in North Avenue, Quezon City and ending in the City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, is currently at 56.03 percent completion, with test runs slated to begin in just a year’s time or starting December 2022.
Ang also shared his “bigger picture” context for the project, saying that MRT-7 is envisioned to be part what will be become the country’s future infrastructure network, which will include interconnected railways and expressways that will address social, environmental and economic issues experienced by Filipinos, due to inadequate infrastructure and urban planning.
The MRT-7 is set to connect to the existing LRT-1 and MRT-3, improving accessibility throughout Metro Manila and the nearby growth corridor of Bulacan.
San Miguel is also investing P 740 billion to build the country’s largest, most modern international gateway in Bulacan, the New Manila International Airport, as well as a separate futuristic green city, designed by leading green architect and urban planner Felino Palafox Jr. and his firm, Palafox and Associates.
The new airport and airport city will be part of the massive infrastructure network, making it easily accessible from Metro Manila via rail and expressway, Ang said.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Feel free to comment or share your views. Comments that are derogatory and/or spam will not be tolerated. We reserve the right to moderate and/or remove comments.