Manila: Japan is extending a new technical assistance to improve the operational efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions of Light Rail Transit Line-1 (LRT-1), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) announced on Wednesday. Under JICA's expert dispatch program, Japanese experts will help enhance energy conservation for LRT-1, which is later expected to lower operational costs for the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC).

According to Philippines News Agency, pursuing energy conservation measures in the railways sector is seen as an indispensable move in view of the Philippine government's commitment to reduce its CO2 emissions by 75 percent by 2030 under the Paris Agreement. The technical assistance project extended by JICA has significant potential to enhance energy efficiency of railway operations in the Philippines.

The project is expected to commence in July and conclude in May 2026. Under the program, Japanese experts will identify critical intervention points in rolling stock by revitalizing the control units and motors, as well as substations, through the introduction of regenerative energy loss prevention systems.

Energy-efficient driving techniques will also be introduced based on Japanese experiences. The assessment and learnings from the project will then be disseminated to aid the Philippine government and other railway operators in enhancing their operation and maintenance (O and M) and business efficiency, among others.

JICA Private Sector Partnership and Finance Department Representative Takashi Kondo and LRMC agreed to implement the expert dispatch program last April 24, which was earlier formalized through the exchange of letters between JICA and LRMC President and CEO Enrico Benipayo.