Strong investor interest in NSCR operations

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said around five companies are lining up to operate North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), as the big-ticket infrastructure project continues to attract investor interest despite corruption scandals hounding the public works sector.

- By DEXTER BARRO II

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said four to five companies have expressed interest in the operations and maintenance (O&M) contract for NSCR.

Lopez did not disclose any names, but said the interested firms are a mix of foreign and local players.

Last month, the DOTr concluded market-sounding activities to present the O&M project to both foreign and local investors. The concession agreement was pitched in Manila, Singapore, Paris, and Tokyo.

The DOTr is currently finalizing the bidding documents for the concession to address concerns and feedback received during the roadshows.