MRT-4 offers investment to ROW-affected owners

The government is pitching potential investment options for at least five soon-to-rise Metro Rail Transit Line 4 (MRT-4) stations to those who may be affected by right-of-way (ROW) acquisition for the new railway.

- By DEXTER BARRO II

In a resettlement framework published on the Asian Development Bank (ADB) website last week, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) proposed the adoption of a transit-oriented development (TOD) framework for the MRT-4 project.

Under TOD, the DOTr said MRT-4 stations will be integrated with mixed-use developments, commuter-oriented infrastructure, and seamless connection to other public transport hubs.

The framework facilitates investments by opening opportunities for commercial and residential establishments around the stations, particularly those with available space for additional economic activity.

The DOTr said half of the 10 MRT-4 stations are primed for TOD. These stations will be located in EDSA, Tiendesitas, St. Joseph, Tikling Junction, and Taytay.

The agency said potential investment options in these stations include public-private partnerships (PPPs). Such a scheme is expected to benefit landowners and business establishments affected by ROW acquisitions for the railway.