Gov’t Forms Committee to Resolve Right-of-Way Issues Delaying Metro Manila Subway, North-South Commuter Railway Projects

The Philippine government has established an interagency committee to address right-of-way issues that have caused significant delays in the construction of two major railway projects: the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) and the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR).

According to a report by Bernadette Reyes on 24 Oras, the 33-kilometer underground Metro Manila Subway could impact over 40 houses, contributing to the delay. “If you fail to deliver them, it will cause a delay. In fact, that’s one of the reasons for delays in our projects, such as the MMSP,” said Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista.

Dubbed the “Project of the Century” with a ₱488.48 billion budget, the MMSP will include 17 stations across eight cities in Metro Manila, aiming to serve 500,000 passengers daily. Although originally set to begin operations in 2021, the project has only reached 16% of its physical progress and is now expected to partially open in 2028, reducing travel time from Valenzuela City to Ninoy Aquino International Airport to just 41 minutes.

Similarly, the 147-kilometer NSCR, which connects Calamba, Laguna to Clark, Pampanga, faces right-of-way issues, particularly in San Fernando, Pampanga. Despite these challenges, construction continues, with the government working alongside various agencies. The NSCR aims to cut travel time between Calamba and Clark from four hours to just two, benefiting 800,000 passengers daily once fully operational. The first segment, West Valenzuela to Clark, is scheduled to open by early 2028.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a key partner in these projects, is also taking steps to expedite progress.