Philippines’ EDSA Greenways Project Receives Backing from Telcos, Accelerating Progress

Philippines’ EDSA Greenways Project Receives Backing from Telcos, Accelerating Progress

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) in the Philippines recently took a significant stride in advancing its EDSA Greenways project, an ambitious scheme to construct elevated pedestrian walkways in Manila. The project has received substantial backing from local telecommunications operators, including Philippine Long Distance Telephone Inc., Converge ICT Solutions Inc., and Eastern Communications. These companies have pledged to relocate their utilities obstructing the project’s progress, demonstrating their commitment to bolstering sustainable urban mobility.

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Apart from the private sector’s involvement, the DOTr has also formed a strategic partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment. This alliance aims to provide necessary support to families whose residences may be affected by the construction of these walkways, ensuring that the project’s development does not inadvertently disadvantage the local community.

The EDSA Greenways project comes with a hefty price tag of P8.5 billion. The bulk of the funding is provided by the Asian Development Bank, which approved a generous grant of $138 million in 2020. The remaining finances will be shouldered by the Philippine government, with the DOTr planning to allocate P262.91 million in the upcoming fiscal year.

The proposed walkways will span an impressive five kilometers, connecting four strategic areas to the Metro Rail Transit Line 3. The project’s primary objective is to cater to pedestrians’ needs better and promote active transport modes. By enhancing the pedestrian network and its connectivity to train stations along EDSA, the DOTr aims to rejuvenate the city’s busiest thoroughfare.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista has emphasized the need to expedite the project to preserve EDSA’s functionality. He noted that initiatives such as the EDSA Greenways project, coupled with the development of busways and bike lanes, are integral to revitalizing EDSA as the city’s primary transportation artery.

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Project Timeline and Anticipated Benefits

The EDSA Greenways project, initially slated for completion in 2022, was pushed back to 2024, and now aims for a 2027 completion. This delay was partly due to restrictions imposed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, allowing utility relocation works only during the night.

Once completed, the elevated walkways are expected to transform pedestrian mobility in Metro Manila. The walkways promise to provide a safer and more convenient option for pedestrians, thereby encouraging more people to choose walking over vehicle transportation. Additionally, the project is likely to reduce traffic congestion along EDSA, contributing to a more efficient transportation system in the city.

A Promising Future for Urban Mobility in Metro Manila

The EDSA Greenways project represents a significant step forward in enhancing pedestrian mobility and the overall urban landscape of Metro Manila. By providing improved access to public transportation, the project promotes a more sustainable and efficient transport system. As the project continues to progress, residents can look forward to experiencing enhanced pedestrian connectivity and an improved urban environment along EDSA.

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