Infrastructure investments firm Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) and Malaysian rolling stock and rail services provider Hartasuma Sdn Bhd, recently unveiled its partnership aimed at driving the development of rail infrastructure in the Philippines. The agreement signed by Hartasuma’s Group Executive Director, Tan Sri Ravindran Menon, and MPIC’s Chairman, President, and CEO, Manuel V. Pangilinan. “There is a lot for us to share,” said Pangilinan. “Together, we intend to explore innovations that can help us build the transport infrastructure of the future.” The partnership will pave the way for diverse initiatives, including the development of rolling stock refurbishment projects in the Philippines and the exploration of cable car systems for tourism and urban transport. MPIC, through its subsidiary Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), which operates and maintains 20 stations and is expanding with the construction of 5 new stations for the Cavite Extension Project, seeks to fortify its position in the Philippine light railway system. With an active interest in future public-private partnership (PPP) opportunities in the light rail sector, MPIC aims to leverage Hartasuma’s expertise to enhance the local content and capabilities in train manufacturing.
