San Miguel Announces MRT-7 and Bulacan Airport Delays

San Miguel Corporation has revealed potential delays for two major infrastructure projects that Earlier projections by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) had indicated that the Quezon City are key to enhancing travel in the Philippines: the New Manila International Airport (NMIA) in Bulacan and the MRT-7 line. According to the company's recent disclosure to the stock exchange, both projects are facing significant setbacks.

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Updates on the MRT-7 and Bulacan Airport delays

The NMIA, which was initially scheduled to open sooner, may now see its completion pushed to the first quarter of 2028. The primary cause of the delay is a shortage of sand, a crucial material for the ongoing construction work. San Miguel cited the suspension of Manila Bay reclamation projects as a major factor limiting their sand sources. The company noted that while efforts are being made to secure alternative sand supplies, the timeline for the airport’s operational readiness remains uncertain.

In addition to the airport delays, the MRT-7 project, which aims to improve connectivity between Quezon City and Bulacan, is also facing timeline adjustments. Although partial operations of the MRT-7 are expected to commence next year, the full extension of the line to San Jose del Monte may be delayed until 2028. This delay is attributed to ongoing discussions with the local government of San Jose del Monte, which is advocating for a realignment and relocation of the MRT station. San Miguel emphasised that resolving these issues is crucial for keeping the project on track.

portion of the MRT-7, which includes 12 stations, would be operational by the end of 2024. The DOTr had also hoped that the San Jose del Monte station would be completed by 2027, but these expectations now face uncertainty.

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Additionally, San Miguel Corporation is in the process of taking over operations of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) starting in September. The company also confirmed ongoing discussions with Metro Pacific Investments Corp regarding a potential merger of their tollway operations, though no final agreement has been reached yet.

Travellers and commuters in the Philippines should brace for these potential delays and stay tuned for further updates on these significant infrastructure projects.

Featured image credit: Philippine News Agency | Official website