Metro Manila Subway Project Delayed Until 2032

Commuters, brace yourselves. The Metro Manila Subway, the country’s first underground train that promised to slash your traffic hours, is now officially delayed until 2032. That’s five years later than the original 2027 target.

The delay is mainly due to property and right-of-way issues. Some affected homeowners are still in negotiations, which slowed down construction. But the government says tunnelling will finally begin next year, so the project is moving, even if slowly.

Image credit: Department of Transportation - DOTr Facebook Page

Department of Trasportation (DOTr) has just deployed a third tunnel boring machine at Camp Aguinaldo Station which is expected to speed up the construction of the project. This giant machine will start drilling underground toward Anonas Station, covering a stretch of about 1.2 kilometres.

Meanwhile, two other machines are already hard at work heading toward Ortigas Station. These machines dig quietly and steadily, moving about 7 to 9 metres a day, so drivers above won’t even notice the work happening below. By January next year, tunnelling is also expected to start from Corinthian Gardens toward Ortigas Station, bringing the subway one step closer to reality.

Also read: DOTr to Open New Integrated Terminal in Parañaque to Solve Manila Traffic

• Partial relief by 2028: Some sections of the subway could open, giving commuters a faster option to cross Metro Manila.

• Safer roads: Until the subway is fully operational, motorcycles remain the most common way to commute. The DOTr is pushing for better motorcycle safety and training to cut accidents.

• Long-term convenience: The full subway will cover 17 stations from Valenzuela to Parañaque, making daily travel much faster once it’s fully up and running.

You won’t see the full benefit immediately, but partial operations by 2028 mean shorter trips and less traffic, while full service in 2032 promises a major change for Manila commuting. For now, patience is key, and keep an eye on motorcycle safety on the roads.

Featured Image credit: Department of Transportation - DOTr Facebook Page