The invitation to file qualification papers for the mega infrastructure undertaking North-South Railway Project (NSRP) has once again been postponed, with the new filing date to be announced later, according to the Philippine Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).
The DOTC said it is still seeking approval to modify details and structure of the P171-billion NSRP, the government’s biggest public-private partnership (PPP) deal.
DOTC undersecretary for procurement and administration Atty. Catherine Gonzales in General Bid Bulletin No. 09-2016 issued April 8 said the transport department has requested the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board to approve plans to alter the NSRP terms and conditions.
These changes include permission to proceed despite the increase in estimated project costs arising from, among others, a hike in capital expenditure with the adoption of a standard gauge. DOTC also wants to be allowed to separate the development of the commuter line from the long-haul line, with possible changes to the structure of the latter.
In view of this, DOTC said the scheduled April 15 submission for qualification documents will be moved to a new date to be announced later. Submission was originally supposed to be on March 31 before it was moved to mid-April then placed on hold for now.
Prequalification documents have been purchased by San Miguel Holdings Corporation, Metro Pacific Investment Corporation, AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation, IL&FS Transport Networks Limited, and Fluor Daniel Pacific Inc.
The winning bidder will design, construct, install, commission, finance, operate, and maintain the existing commuter rail line from Tutuban, Manila to Calamba City, Laguna. It is expected to do the same for the 478-kilometer long-haul rail operations from Tutuban to Legazpi City, with the possibility of extending the spur lines by 58 kilometers from Calamba City to Batangas City, and by 117 kilometers from Legazpi City to Matnog, Sorsogon.
The PPP project is part of government efforts to promote inclusive growth by reviving and extending the existing Philippine National Railways line.
The project, a priority under the 2011-2016 Philippine Development Plan, also supports the modernization and expansion of the local mass transportation network and aims to improve efficiency of land transportation in Metro Manila.
The NSRP is one of 13 PPP projects exempt from the ban on spending public funds and carrying out construction of public works during the election season.
Aside from this project, DOTC also recalled the submission date for the pre-qualification bids for the Light Rail Transit Line 6 project, the filing of bids for the LRT Line 2 project and the development project involving five regional airports, as well as delayed the opening of bids for the Davao-Sasa Port modernization.
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