Monorail to link NAIA to Manila's rail system

MANILA, Philippines - The Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) disclosed plans to build an elevated monorail project that will connect the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) with the rail system in Metro Manila.

BCDA president Felicito Payumo bared the plan to put up the monorail during the 20th North Luzon Area Business Conference in Malolos City last Friday.

He said the project could be completed within the term of President Aquino, citing the result of a feasibility study. The Department of Transportation and Communications, since the incumbency of former Secretary Ping de Jesus had endorsed the project, he added.

The project is also seen to solve the perennial traffic jam between NAIA and the cities of Parañaque, Makati, Pasay and Taguig, he said.

Payumo said there are only three ways to solve the traffic problem in the said areas, and the most feasible is the construction of an elevated monorail system because its posts can be constructed on the islands on the streets.

“If we will dig underground, it will cause more havoc, and if we will do it on ground, the roads are too narrow especially the Mckinley Road,” he said.

Payumo said the monorail project would benefit at least 13 million people, who are using Metro Manila’s rail system.

He said the passenger capacity of the planned monorail though smaller compared to the Light Rail Transit and the Metro Rail Transit, could be addressed by adding more coaches and having more frequent trips.

Payumo said BCDA is eyeing a loan from the Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) to fund the project.

“BCDA has no financial obligation to pay at present, we no longer have any financial burden and we can seek an ODA,” he said.