DoTr Seeks Consultants for MRT-7 Engineering and Inspection

The Department of Transportation (DoTr) has invited bidders for an engineering consultancy and inspection contract worth P563.32 million for the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) project. In a request for expressions of interest, the DoTr, in accordance with its concession agreement with SMC Mass Rail Transit 7, Inc., stated that interested bidders can submit their proposals until Aug. 7. The competitive selection process will assign an 85% weighting to the technical proposal and 15% to the financial offer. The contract is expected to be completed within 30 months. The MRT-7 project is being undertaken by San Miguel Corp. through its subsidiary SMC Mass Rail Transit 7, Inc. The company is financing the construction and will operate the 23-kilometer commuter rail system under a 25-year concession agreement. The project also includes a 22-kilometer road component linking the Bocaue interchange of the North Luzon Expressway to an intermodal terminal in Tala, Caloocan City. Last month, the DoTr announced that the completion of MRT-7 is on track, with operations for 12 stations expected to commence next year. The MRT-7, comprising a total of 14 stations, is projected to carry 300,000 passengers daily in its first year, with ridership anticipated to rise to 850,000 by its 12th year. This infrastructure development is crucial for alleviating traffic congestion in Metro Manila. Japanese companies have been actively involved in Philippine infrastructure projects through financing and technical cooperation, making large-scale projects like MRT-7 significant for future Japan-Philippines economic relations.