The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is aiming to bid out the long-delayed Unified Grand Central Station (Common Station) via a solicited mode within the year, with a strong preference for a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
Transport Secretary Vince Dizon emphasized the agency’s push for a solicited PPP approach to avoid project setbacks similar to the recently terminated contract with the BFC-FDSC Consortium. The consortium, founded by the late Marikina Mayor Bayani Fernando, was removed from the project due to excessive construction delays.
Dizon noted that while unsolicited proposals cannot be prevented, the department’s default is solicited bidding. “PPP is the safest route for us,” he said, adding that the rail team is currently evaluating the best path forward.
The Common Station, which broke ground in 2017 after years of delay and location disputes, is now slated for completion in 2027. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the acceleration of the project, which has been under construction since 2009.
Once completed, the P2.8 billion facility will span 13,700 square meters and connect LRT-1, MRT-3, MRT-7, and the upcoming Metro Manila Subway. It is expected to serve around 500,000 passengers daily.
