1355.6-billion Metro subway launched today

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is scheduled to break ground today (Feb. 27, 2019) at Barangay Ugong, Valenzuela the 1355.6 -billion Metro Manila Subway Project, the country’s first underground railway system dubbed as the “project of the century.”

The railway system will stretch 36 kilometers, with 15 stations, crossing 7 local governments, passing 3 of Metro Manila's business districts, connecting all to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, in almost 30 minutes or less.

Just a week ago, the DOTr signed the main contract, or the first part of the design and build contract, for the Metro Manila Subway's first three stations, or its partially operable section.

The Shimizu Joint Venture of the Shimizu Corporation, Fujita Corporation, Takenaka Civil Engineering Co., Ltd. and EEI Corporation will do the design and build of this specific section of the subway.

The section consists of the first three underground stations – Quirino Highway, Tandang Sora, and North Avenue, along with the tunnel structure, the Valenzuela Depot. The joint venture will likewise construct the building and facilities for the Philippine Railway Institute.

The Metro Manila Subway is among the flagship projects under the Duterte Administration’s infrastructure program and the first three stations are slated to be partially operable by 2022.

By 2025, the subway will be fully operational. In its first year of full operations alone, it will serve up to 370,000 passengers per day, with a capacity for up to 1.5 million passengers per day.

Its world-class design features waterstop panels, doors, a high-level entrance for flood prevention, earthquake detection, along with a train stop system, just like subways in Tokyo.

There’s no stopping the construction of the Metro Manila Subway, pledged DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is funding the project via a 145-billion loan.