#Japan #Manila #JICA #Hankyu Railway #Manila LRT

JICA and Hankyu Railway Partner to Boost Energy Efficiency in Manila's Rail System

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Hankyu Railway Co., Ltd. are embarking on a collaborative initiative aimed at boosting energy efficiency in Manila’s Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT1). The project, which officially commenced on June 25, focuses on supporting the energy-saving efforts of Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), the private operator responsible for the operation and maintenance of the LRT1 line.

Manila's metropolitan area, despite being approximately the same size as Tokyo’s 23 wards, houses nearly 1.4 times the population, creating significant challenges in urban mobility. While Tokyo boasts around 80 rail lines across various transport systems including JR, private railways, and subways, Manila has only three lines operating on its light rail transit. This limited rail network has resulted in a heavy reliance on road transportation, leading to chronic traffic congestion and exacerbating air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change impacts. According to estimates, the economic loss associated with travel time costs in 2020 reached a staggering 3.8 billion pesos (approximately $90 million) per day.

In response, JICA has been active in supporting the development of Manila’s urban rail system, including LRT1, through various means such as technical cooperation, development studies, low-interest loans, and financing. Hankyu Railway is similarly committed to addressing environmental concerns; starting April 2025, the company plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions across all its routes as part of its carbon-neutral operation initiative. Furthermore, Hankyu Railway has agreed to invest in LRMC in May 2024 to collaboratively tackle the operation and maintenance of LRT1 alongside JICA. In June 2024, an official memorandum of understanding was established between the two organizations, solidifying their commitment to providing technical support for the LRT1 operation and maintenance plans.

This newly initiated technical cooperation specifically responds to LRMC's request for support in promoting energy conservation on the LRT1 line. JICA has tapped Hankyu Railway, which has successfully implemented energy-saving initiatives within Japan's rail sector, to analyze and assess the current energy consumption and identify viable energy-saving measures. The collaboration will encompass the development of a comprehensive roadmap aimed at enhancing the energy efficiency of the line.

Through this technical cooperation, JICA and Hankyu Railway aim to significantly contribute to reducing environmental burdens in the public transport sector of the Manila metropolitan area while promoting sustainable transport infrastructure.

Project Overview

• - Duration: June 25, 2025 - May 29, 2026
• - Scope of Work:

1. Assess the current electricity consumption related to train operations on LRT1.
2. Evaluate and create a roadmap for implementing energy-saving measures on LRT1.

• - Rolling Stock: Acquired through JICA's low-interest loan program.

About LRT1

• - Opened: 1984 (operation and maintenance managed by LRMC since 2015)
• - Number of Stations: 25 (an extension with five new stations is scheduled to open in November 2024)
• - Length: Approximately 27 km
• - Facility Owner: Light Rail Transit Authority under the Philippine Department of Transportation

This partnership between JICA and Hankyu Railway signifies a major step forward in the effort to enhance the public transport infrastructure in Manila while addressing critical environmental issues. By investing in energy efficiency, both organizations are setting a precedent for future projects aimed at improving urban mobility in densely populated areas.