The first Philippine subway equipped with disaster-resilient Japanese technology is now underway to solve Manila’s traffic problem.
Expected to be completed in 2025 after the groundbreaking ceremony was held February 27, the Metro Manila underground transport system will serve 370,000 passengers per day in its opening year.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) reports the Philippine subway spans 36 kilometers with 15 stations from Quirino Highway to NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay, and FTI in Taguig. The subway will use Japanese technologies for sturdy defense against natural disasters.
The Philippine government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency signed a ¥104.53billion (PHP49.45billion/US$951.49million) loan agreement for the underground rail line will cost a total of 357 billion pesos.
Transport undersecretary for Rails TJ Batan told media that the Metro Manila Subway is “not just designed to keep passengers safe but also ensure the reliable and continuing operation of the system before, or after the occurrence of natural disasters.”
The station’s completion will make the Philippines, the sixth Southeast Asian Nation to have its own subway railway system.
The Philippines can expect nothing less than “world-class mass transport system with cutting-edge technology,” said Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda. He added that the Philippines can count on Japan’s “extensive experience” in both subway construction and railways operation and maintenance”.
The Filipino-Japanese joint venture Shimizu Corp. Fujita Corp.-Takenaka Ltd. will design and build the first three stations of the subway.
By 2022, the first three stations—the Quirino Highway, Tandang Sora and North Avenue stations—should be open to the public.
Let us know in the comment section below if you are excited to take the Philippine subway!
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