For over half a century, the vision of an underground railway system in the Philippines has persisted. Now, with the inclusion of a second tunneling machine, the Metro Manila Subway project appears to be accelerating towards realization. By 2029, when it becomes fully operational, the subway will span from Valenzuela to Parañaque, with an additional branch line leading to NAIA Terminal 3.
About Metro Manila Subway
The Metro Manila Subway represents a forthcoming underground rapid transit line within Metro Manila, Philippines, forming an integral part of the Duterte Administration’s "Build, Build, Build" initiative. As the country's inaugural mass underground transport system, it will traverse north-south between Valenzuela, Quezon City, Pasig, Taguig, Parañaque, and Pasay, encompassing 17 stations stretching from East Valenzuela to NAIA Terminal 3.
This ambitious construction project aims to tackle the metropolitan area's transportation challenges head-on. By diminishing travel durations and alleviating traffic congestion, particularly in high-density zones, the subway system endeavors to enhance urban mobility. Implemented in two phases, the endeavor leverages Japanese tunnel-boring machines and cutting-edge technologies. The groundbreaking for the initial two stations, Ortigas and Shaw Boulevard, occurred in October 2022, with an anticipated completion date of 2027.
Anticipated to accommodate 1.5 million passengers daily, the Metro Manila Subway promises a swifter, safer, and more convenient mode of travel. Furthermore, it is poised to stimulate economic growth and urban development, catalyzing fresh prospects for businesses and industries. With the subway's construction well underway, residents of Metro Manila can anticipate a superior and more streamlined transportation infrastructure.
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Historical Background
Initiated by the Philippine government, the Metro Manila Subway Project represents a bold endeavor to establish an underground rapid transit line in Metro Manila. Initially proposed in the 1970s, the project only received approval in 2017. Spearheaded by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the endeavor is backed financially by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The inception of subway plans traces back to 1973 when the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), then known as the Overseas Technical Cooperation Agency, formulated an urban transport study for the Metro Manila area. This initiative unfolded during the tenure of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the father of the current Philippine President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The proposed subway system comprised five lines, envisioned to crisscross the metropolitan landscape. Line 1 was slated to extend from Quezon Memorial Circle to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport; Line 2 from Manotoc Subdivision in Quezon City to Cainta, Rizal; Line 3 from Sangandaan, Caloocan, to Pasay; Line 4 from Quirino Avenue to Roxas Boulevard and anticipated "future reclaimed land"; and Line 5 from Marulas, Valenzuela, to Tutuban, where it would intersect with Line 1.
Construction of Metro Manila Subway near Quezon Memorial Circle |
Regrettably, the proposal met rejection in 1977 in favor of a Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, which ultimately materialized into the LRT-1. Although the concept of a subway resurfaced during the administration of Benigno Aquino III, discord over the alignment for the purported "Makati-Pasay-Taguig Mass Transit Loop System" purportedly derailed the endeavor before commencement. It wasn't until the Rodrigo Duterte administration that plans for a Metro Manila Subway garnered approval in 2017.
Nevertheless, more than five years elapsed before tunneling and excavation operations commenced for the protracted subway project in January 2023, now under the administration of President Marcos Jr.
Scope and Scale
Termed the "Project of the Century" for the Philippines, the Metro Manila Subway Project aims to benefit half a million Filipino commuters by 2028. Encompassing 35 kilometers from the ongoing common railway station on Mindanao Avenue, Quezon City, to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City, the project interlinks 17 stations and a depot, heralding the nation's inaugural mass underground transport system.
Upon completion, the Metro Manila Subway will operate at a speed of 80kph, reaching a maximum of 120kph. Forecasts indicate a daily ridership of up to 519,000 passengers. Divided into three phases, the initial phase targets completion by 2025, with a projected total cost of P393 billion, predominantly funded by JICA.
The Metro Manila Subway Project constitutes a pivotal infrastructure initiative poised to mitigate traffic congestion and revamp the transportation network in Metro Manila. It is anticipated to catalyze economic growth and development throughout the Philippines.
Metro Manila Subway Stations
As of March 7, 2024, the Metro Manila Subway boasts 17 confirmed stations spanning a distance of 33 kilometers from Valenzuela to Parañaque, inclusive of a branch line extending to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay.
The stations are as follows:
- East Valenzuela Station
- Quirino Highway Station
- Tandang Sora Station
- North Avenue Station
- Quezon Avenue Station
- East Avenue Station
- Anonas Station
- Camp Aguinaldo Station
- Ortigas Avenue Station
- Shaw Boulevard Station
- Kalayaan Avenue Station
- BGC Station
- Lawton Station
- Senate-DepEd Station
- NAIA Terminal 3 (branch line)
- FTI Station
- Bicutan Station
Initially, the journey from Valenzuela to NAIA took a cumbersome one and a half hours. However, with the introduction of the new subway system, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has presented different estimates, suggesting a reduction in travel time to either 35, 41, or 45 minutes. Moreover, the overall end-to-end travel time, spanning from Valenzuela to Bicutan, is anticipated to clock in at 46 minutes.
Metro Manila Subway Stations Map from Rappler |
Upon achieving full operational status, the subway will boast 30 sets of eight-car trains designed to run at speeds of up to 85 kilometers per hour. This enhanced efficiency will enable the system to cater to the commuting needs of an estimated 519,000 passengers daily.
Tunneling and Infrastructure
The Metro Manila Subway Project encompasses a 33.1 km-long underground railway system within Metro Manila, Philippines, spanning from Valenzuela to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), interconnecting 17 stations alongside a depot. The project entails the construction of 25.3 kilometers of tunnels, featuring a notable 4.4-kilometer passage beneath the Pasig River. These tunnels will be excavated employing Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), specialized equipment designed for tunnel excavation with a circular cross-section.
Phase 1 of the Metro Manila Subway Project features the Depot and the Philippine Railway Institute |
Moreover, the endeavor incorporates the establishment of a depot situated in Valenzuela, serving as the primary hub for subway train maintenance and storage. Occupying a sprawling 33-hectare area, the depot will house essential facilities for train upkeep, repair, and sanitation. Additionally, the subway will boast modern amenities including elevators, escalators, and air conditioning systems, ensuring optimal comfort and safety for passengers throughout their journey.
Construction and Development
Phase 1
In January 2023, construction for the Metro Manila Subway project commenced subsequent to the groundbreaking ceremony held in Valenzuela City. The project unfolds in three distinct phases, with the inaugural phase being the most comprehensive. Phase 1 entails the establishment of a 33.1-kilometer subway line stretching from Valenzuela to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), integrating 17 stations and a depot. It is anticipated that Phase 1 will reach completion by 2028, with the subsequent phases slated for finalization by 2035.
Contractors and Technological Advancements
Multiple contractors have been enlisted for the Metro Manila Subway project, leveraging cutting-edge technology such as tunnel boring machines (TBMs) for subterranean excavation. Notable contributors to the project include Shimizu Corporation, Fujita Corporation, Takenaka Civil Engineering Co., Ltd., EEI Corporation, and Nishimatsu Construction Co., Ltd.
Construction Processes
The construction processes for the Metro Manila Subway project encompass the excavation of underground tunnels, station construction, and installation of railway systems. Tunnel excavation is facilitated by TBMs, boasting a formidable excavation rate of up to 20 meters per day. Stations are set to be erected using a combination of cut-and-cover and mined tunnel methodologies. The comprehensive railway system will encompass tracks, signaling mechanisms, power grids, and communication networks.
Construction and lowering of tunnel boring machine at the North EDSA station |
The Metro Manila Subway is presently undergoing construction, with an anticipated completion timeline set for 2035. The project is anticipated to serve as a pivotal remedy to the traffic congestion predicaments plaguing Metro Manila, heralding a transformative enhancement to the city's transportation infrastructure.
Challenges and Controversies
Right-of-Way Issues
One of the major challenges that the Metro Manila Subway project faced was the right-of-way issue. The subway system will traverse several private properties, which make it difficult for the government to acquire the necessary land. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) had to negotiate with landowners to acquire the land needed for the project.
As of July 22, 2023, the right-of-way acquisition for the subway project was still a challenge. The project was only 5.6% complete, and the right-of-way acquisition was one of the reasons for the delay.
Project Setbacks
The Metro Manila Subway initiative has encountered numerous setbacks since its inception. Although the feasibility study for the subway system concluded in 2013, groundbreaking for the project did not commence until 2019. One primary factor contributing to the delay was the disruptive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the construction sector in the Philippines.
As of July 22, 2023, the construction progress for the subway stood at a mere 5.6%, with overall project completion reaching only 33%. While design and procurement neared conclusion, the pace of construction remained sluggish.
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Klook.comImpact and Benefits
Economic Impact
The Metro Manila Subway Project is poised to significantly influence the Philippine economy. According to the Department of Transportation, the endeavor is projected to create approximately 28,000 jobs during construction and surpass 100,000 employment opportunities once the subway becomes operational. Moreover, the project is anticipated to attract foreign investments and stimulate growth within the country's tourism sector.
Traffic Alleviation
Addressing the prevalent traffic congestion in Metro Manila, one of the city's foremost challenges, is a primary objective of the Metro Manila Subway Project. The introduction of the subway system will offer commuters an alternative mode of transportation, thereby reducing the volume of vehicles on the roads. This reduction in vehicular traffic is poised to mitigate congestion, resulting in shorter commute times for travelers.
Environmental Considerations
The Metro Manila Subway Project is anticipated to yield favorable environmental outcomes. By promoting the use of public transportation, the subway system will contribute to a reduction in the city's carbon footprint. Additionally, the shift away from conventional vehicles will diminish air pollution levels within Metro Manila.
Furthermore, the project is designed with energy efficiency in mind. The utilization of electric-powered trains represents a cleaner energy source compared to traditional gasoline or diesel engines. Additionally, the subway's implementation is expected to curtail noise pollution, a prevalent issue in Metro Manila.
Anticipated Benefits
Considered a cornerstone of the Philippine transportation network, the Metro Manila Subway Project will complement the existing North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), enhancing commuter travel efficiency. While the project entails substantial investment, its projected economic and societal benefits for both the Philippine economy and the populace of Metro Manila are anticipated to far outweigh the associated costs.
Future Outlook
The Metro Manila Subway represents a substantial investment in the Philippines' public transportation infrastructure, poised to profoundly influence regional mobility. While the initial phase is slated for completion by 2025, strategic blueprints are already underway to expand the subway network and harmonize it with existing transit systems.
Planned Expansions
A notable extension is the Spur Line, bridging the Metro Manila Subway with the LRT-2 and MRT Line 3. This integration promises commuters a seamless transition between systems, eliminating the need for station exits and re-entries.
Furthermore, the Rapid Transit Line is envisaged to link the Metro Manila Subway with the LRT Line 1, traversing from Monumento to Bacoor. This extension offers commuters an alternative to the congested thoroughfares of Metro Manila.
Integration with Existing Transit Systems
The Metro Manila Subway is primed for integration with other transit systems across the region. This integration encompasses buses, facilitating last-mile connectivity for commuters, and the proposed Mega Manila Subway, which aims to interconnect Metro Manila with neighboring cities.
By integrating the Metro Manila Subway with diverse transit systems, commuters stand to benefit from a comprehensive public transportation network, thereby alleviating road congestion and enhancing overall mobility.
Other Railway Systems in the Philippines
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Metro Manila Subway
What is the current status of the Metro Manila Subway construction?
As of January 2024, the construction of the Metro Manila Subway is ongoing. According to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the project is progressing as planned. The DOTr reported that the tunnel boring machines have already started digging the tunnels for the subway.
Which areas are connected by the Metro Manila Subway?
The Metro Manila Subway will run north-south between Valenzuela, Quezon City, Pasig, Taguig, Parañaque, and Pasay. It will have a total of 17 stations between the East Valenzuela and NAIA Terminal 3.
When is the expected completion date for the Metro Manila Subway?
The expected completion date for the Metro Manila Subway is in 2025. The DOTr has reported that the project is on schedule, and there are no significant delays or issues that could affect the completion date.
Who are the primary contractors involved in the Metro Manila Subway project?
The primary contractors involved in the Metro Manila Subway project are Shimizu Corporation, Fujita Corporation, Takenaka Civil Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd., EEI Corporation, and Macroasia Corporation. These contractors were chosen based on their track record and experience in building underground railways.
How many stations will the Metro Manila Subway have upon completion?
The Metro Manila Subway will have a total of 17 stations upon completion. These stations will be strategically located in different parts of Metro Manila to provide commuters with easy access to the subway.
What are the estimated costs associated with the Metro Manila Subway project?
The estimated cost of the Metro Manila Subway project is PHP 357.2 billion. The project is being funded by the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The DOTr has reported that the project is within budget and that there are no significant cost overruns or issues that could affect the completion of the project.
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