Philippine subway targets 2029 completion
The Metro Manila Subway aims for full operation by late 2029, with the current construction progress of 14 percent, the Department of Transportation said on Wednesday.
Spanning 33 kilometers across eight local government units in Metro Manila, the Japan-backed underground train project will connect the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1, Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3, MRT-7, LRT-2, and North South Commuter Railway.
The subway, which was built during the Duterte administration, will also feature a spur line to Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, allowing passengers to reach the country’s main gateway within 40 minutes from Quezon City.
The subway will have eight-car trainsets carrying 2,200 passengers at 80 kilometers per hour, with trains arriving every five minutes.
Philippine Railway Institute targets 2025 completion
The DOTr said the Philippine Railways Institute (PRI) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency target 80 percent workforce training by December 2024 and 100 percent by June 2025.
The PRI focuses on institutional development, research and development readiness, and digital transformation for railway maintenance and training.
“PRI has adapted to this administration's nationwide vision,” Transportation secretary Jaime Bautista said.
“Its scope has expanded to encompass the entire country, with the potential to serve Southeast Asian nations in the future upon completion of its training center,” he added.
Miguel R. Camus has been a reporter covering various domestic business topics since 2009.
