On September 23, 2026, the Metro Manila Subway made a significant stride in its construction efforts after its inaugural tunnel-boring breakthrough in Quezon City. The Metro Manila Subway first tunnel breakthrough was inspected by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the Quezon Avenue Station where a tunnel boring machine (TBM) excavated a 1.13-kilometer stretch. The breakthrough links the North Avenue and Quezon Avenue sections of the project and represents tangible development of the country’s first tunnel rail.
Metro Manila Subway First Tunnel Breakthrough Explained
The breakthrough has been completed in the Quezon Avenue and East Avenue stations and connecting underground tunnels under Contract Package 102 (CP102).
The value of the contract for CP102 is PHP 25.538 billion, which comprises of a tunnel railway of 3.1 kilometers in length and two underground stations, according to the Philippine News Agency.
Key details of the breakthrough
- Location: Quezon Avenue Station, Quezon City
- Tunnel section: 1.13 kilometers
- Depth: About 34–35 meters underground
- Contract package: CP102
- Stations covered: Quezon Avenue and East Avenue
- Contractor: Nishimatsu Construction Co. Ltd. and D.M. Consunji Inc. joint venture
- Project financing: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
The TBM had “come through,” President Marcos said when he inspected the completed breakthrough. He also said that the milestone was an important day of the Metro Manila Subway Project.
Marcos Inspects Metro Manila Subway Project
President Marcos on Wednesday conducted his inspection of the construction of the Quezon Avenue Station and went down to the tunnel site.
The inspection was the follow up to another major subway project. On September 16, Marcos marked the groundbreaking of NAIA Terminal 3 Station in Pasay City, under Contract Package 109. The station is supposed to give the airport a direct connection to the subway system.
The subway is part of a bigger railway program to enhance mobility and connectivity in Metro Manila, the Presidential Communications Office said.
Metro Manila Subway Route, Stations and Expected Benefits
The Metro Manila Subway will be a 33-kilometre and 17-station underground train, running from Valenzuela City to NAIA Terminal 3. The project is funded by the support of the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and will be used by approximately half a million passengers.
The planned network will be linked to existing and ongoing rail projects, such as MRT-3.
Travel time could be significantly reduced
Government project estimates set a 40-minute travel time between Quezon City and NAIA Terminal 3 when the corresponding subway line is available, from a present 1 hour and 10 minutes.
The wider project is expected to provide another transportation option for commuters traveling through some of Metro Manila’s busiest areas.
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When Will the Metro Manila Subway Be Completed?
The DoF said the current government goal of completing the entire Metro Manila Subway system is the fourth quarter of 2031.
Also earlier this year in 2026, the Department of Transportation discussed the possibility of an initial northern segment of the project that would need construction, testing and commissioning, and be ready for an initial demonstration in the first quarter of 2028.
That does not imply that the subway is available for passenger service at this point, but it is an important construction milestone.
FAQs
What happened during the Metro Manila Subway tunnel breakthrough?
A tunnel boring machine completed excavation of a 1.13-kilometer underground section connected to the Quezon Avenue Station at a depth of roughly 34–35 meters.
Where is the first Metro Manila Subway tunnel breakthrough?
The breakthrough was inspected at the Quezon Avenue Station in Quezon City. The tunnel works are part of Contract Package 102.
How long is the Metro Manila Subway?
The planned Metro Manila Subway is approximately 33 kilometers long and is designed to have 17 stations, running from Valenzuela City to NAIA Terminal 3.
When is the Metro Manila Subway expected to be completed?
The current target reported by the Philippine News Agency is Q4 2031 for completion of the full project.
