CIMIC Group company Leighton Asia has been selected by the Philippines Department of Transportation to construct a section of the North South Commuter Railway System – South Commuter Railway Project (SCRP), a project that will ease road congestion around Manila.

The Leighton-First Balfour joint venture will construct Contract Package S-03B (CP S-03B) for the project, generating revenue of approximately A$283 million for Leighton Asia.

CIMIC Group Executive Chairman Juan Santamaria said: “The project is part of the Government’s larger strategic transportation network to boost economic and urban growth between metro Manila and southern Luzon. We have a proven history in the region and we are pleased to be selected to deliver a vital infrastructure project that will benefit the community for decades to come.”

Leighton Asia Managing Director Brad Davey said: “Leighton Asia has a strong track record and expertise in delivering world-class railway projects. Our portfolio includes the Express Rail Link West Kowloon Terminus Station in Hong Kong, the largest underground railway station in the world. We are honoured to deliver the SCRP CP S-03B package and are committed to leveraging our 26 years of local experience in the Philippines to provide a safe and quality asset for our client and community.”

The works include civil engineering, tunnel and building works for approximately 6.1km of the railway with 4.7km of the underground railway and 1.4km of at-grade railway. It also includes the construction of the FTI Station, tunnelling works to connect to the Metro Manila Subway Project Senate Station, and mechanical, electrical, façade and other ancillary works.

SCR CP S-03B is a section of the nearly 56km long SCRP financed by the Asian Development Bank. It runs along the existing Philippine National Railway and is comprised of 19 stations. The SCR will connect metro Manila to Calamba, southern Luzon and ease road congestion upon completion.

Construction is anticipated to commence in Q3-Q4 2023 and complete by 2029.