Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 12) — The Department of Transportation on Sunday started the construction of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) with the positioning of the first tunnel boring machine (TBM).
“This significant milestone marks the commencement of the underground construction works for the subway, which will translate to the faster realization of our aim towards providing the modern mass transportation system that will usher our country towards progress,” the DOTr said.
When completed, the MMSP will cut travel time from Valenzuela City to Ninoy Aquino International Airport from 1 hour and 10 minutes to just 35 minutes.
Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade said the partial operation of the MMSP is expected by 2025 while the full operation is seen by 2027.
“It is expected to accommodate 370,000 passengers per day in its first year of full operations,” the DOTr said.
The TBM makes the process of tunneling faster while reducing above ground disruption during construction.
“A TBM can dig up to 600 cubic meters of soil and build up to 12 meters of tunnels per day through its massive rotating cutting wheels that can break up hard soil and rocks easily,” the DOTr explained.
Twenty-five TBMs will be used for the MMSP, the agency added.
Outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte graced the event. He said the MMSP “will truly help the commuting public” and “will allow travelers to save much time and energy thereby giving them opportunities to become more productive and more focused on other worthwhile endeavors.”
Tugade also said the project is “true, real, and will be completed” because fund arrangements and loan support from the government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, are in place.
He added some of the contracts were awarded while others are being worked on. Moreover, more than 90% of the right-of-way was solved.
