Right-of-way issues of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) – regarded as most contentious – has been the BIGGEST in scope encountered in any infrastructure project in the country, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

DOTr underscored this during the site inspection of the subway’s North Avenue Station, involving the initial drive of the subway’s tunnel boring machine No. 4, today, 07 March 2024.

TBM No. 4 is among the six TBMs to be used for Contract Package 101 — which is composed of four (4) stations in the north, namely, Quirino Highway Station, Tandang Sora Station, North Avenue Station, and East Valenzuela Station.

With non-stop construction works, DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said, “Hopefully, we should be able to finish the tunneling up to Tandang Sora within 12 months.”

Meanwhile, the DOTr said that the current progress of the right-of-way acquisition for the project is at around 55%, which shall ‘substantially add up to the project’s momentum and speed.”

“We have already substantially accomplished the documentary requirements necessary, and the negotiations are ongoing. This will substantially add up to, and speed up the momentum of the project,” DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Jeremy Regino said.

He added, “The right-of-way acquisition in Metro Manila, being undertaken by the DOTr, is the first of its kind in the Philippine history, of such magnitude. Prior to this, our ROWA in Metro Manila are only small segments, small streets, small properties. This time, there are two major ROWAs being undertaken by the DOTr simultaneously — one is the Subway, second is the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project.”

At present, the subway stands at 40% overall progress rate. Once completed, commuting between Quezon City and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) will be faster, seamless, and convenient than ever — cutting down travel time from the present one (1) hour and 10 minutes to just 35 minutes. It is slated to serve up to 519,000 passengers daily.