Construction firm DM Consunji Inc. (DMCI) said it has started installing the electromechanical system (EMS) for the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 2 East extension, which is targeted to be finished by the last quarter of 2020.

DMCI President and Chief Executive Officer Jorge Consunji said: “We are turning over the two stations, Masinag (in Antipolo) and the Emerald (Station).”

“We are starting already the electromechanical (system) of Line 2. Mag install na kami ng (we will install) rails, power, communications,” he said in an interview last week, noting the EMS is also composed of the signaling system.

Consunji cited that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade wants the LRT 2 Extension project to be completed by last quarter next year.

“Tingin namin kaya (We think it is doable),” he added.

The new stations are expected to accommodate an additional 80,000 passengers, boosting the LRT-2’s current daily ridership of 240,000 passengers.

The DOTr last February awarded the PHP3.2-billion contract to the joint venture between Japan-based firm Marubeni Corporation and DMCI for the installation of track works and EMS, which formed Package 3 of the LRT East Extension Project.

Package 1, which involves the construction of a viaduct, was completed in March 2017, while Package 2 involved the construction of Emerald and Masinag stations.

The LRT-2 runs from Santolan in Pasig City to Recto in Manila. (PNA)