MANILA, Philippines — Travel time from Valenzuela City to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) could be reduced from about one and a half hours to just 41 minutes once the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) becomes fully operational.
 |
| President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inspects the Metro Manila Subway Project at the Quezon Avenue Station. Photo courtesy: Presidential Communications Office (PCO) |
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inspected the Quezon Avenue Station on Wednesday following the completion of a 1.12-kilometer southbound underground tunnel from North Avenue to Quezon Avenue.
The tunnel was completed on September 14 using a tunnel boring machine (TBM), marking the first TBM breakthrough for the country’s first underground railway project.
“Dahan-dahan, nakikita ninyo ’yung subway project natin, nabubuo na,” Marcos said, highlighting the progress of the massive infrastructure project.
The breakthrough occurred about 34 meters below ground and forms part of Contract Package 102, which covers the Quezon Avenue and East Avenue stations and their connecting tunnels.
Tunnel boring operations are now continuing from Quezon Avenue toward East Avenue, with the two stations located about 1.5 kilometers apart.
Marcos emphasized the importance of expanding and modernizing the country’s railway system to address traffic congestion and provide safer, faster and more convenient transportation for commuters.
 |
| President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inspects the Metro Manila Subway Project at the Quezon Avenue Station. Photo courtesy: Presidential Communications Office (PCO) |
Acting Transportation Secretary Giovani Lopez said the subway is expected to serve around 500,000 passengers daily once fully operational.
The P488.48-billion MMSP is financed through loans from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and is part of the government’s efforts to improve transportation connectivity across Metro Manila.
The 33.10-kilometer subway will feature 17 stations stretching from Valenzuela City to NAIA in Pasay City.
The project is now nearly 60% complete, with construction of the Quezon Avenue and East Avenue stations having started in May 2023.
The government aims to complete the subway by the fourth quarter of 2031.
Once fully operational, the MMSP is expected to shorten travel time between Valenzuela City and NAIA to 41 minutes.
— The Summit Express
Start the conversation. Share your thoughts, insights, or reactions, and connect with fellow readers.