Looks like the construction of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) is showing steady progress
Dubbed the “Crown Jewel” of the Philippine mass transportation system, the MMSP construction is well underway. The tunneling works for the project crossed its “point of no return” 11 this past January, and with it, the digging has been non-stop since. How is the construction doing and what’s the progress so far?
MMSP project continues with tunnel-boring operations
Photo: DOTr
The groundbreaking for the MMSP or the Metro Manila Subway Project happened in 2019, with major construction with the tunnel-boring machines having been started last year. What’s the progress thus far?
In a report, it was said that the machines’ daily progress was at 3 to 5 meters per day. The first of these machines was lowered in Valenzuela, and as it stands, a total of 190 meters worth of digging has been made. The report likewise indicated that, despite this seemingly low number and slow progress, “the excavation between Valenzuela and Quirino Highway Stations are expected to be completed by December 2023 or January 2024”.
Photo: DOTr
Yes, it does seem like a pretty paltry number, but the DOTr had also aired its sentiment that “We hope we could make it faster but yung movement kasi ng tunnel boring [the movement of the tunnel boring] is limited, hindi natin kayang basta bilisan [we can’t just make it faster]. Best we can do as much as possible, walang errors para tuloy tuloy at walang aberya yung pag andar ng [no errors so there is continuous and problem-free operation of our] tunnel boring machines nation.”
Photo: DOTr
The MMSP will have stations spanning from Valenzuela City to FTI-Bicutan in Paranaque, with a spur line that connects to NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay and will cover a distance of 33 kilometers. 519,000 passengers are estimated to take it daily and it aims to reduce travel time between Quezon City to NAIA from 1 hour and 10 minutes to only 35 minutes once it begins operations.
Progress is good, and if the government is looking at keeping the machines safe and efficient, then low as it is, this progress is still a win for everyone. Seeing the MMSP completed and operational though, is without a doubt, the biggest win for everyone. For more information on the Metro Manila Subway Project 141, we’ve compiled a list of factoids for you right here 288.
So, until it is done, our watch continues.
At that rate, it would take min 18 years to complete.
Thanks for the info..