DOTr launches third Metro Manila Subway Project tunnel boring machine

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) launched Tuesday the third tunnel boring machine for the ongoing Metro Manila Subway Project at the Camp Aguinaldo Station in Quezon City as the agency aims for partial operation by 2028.

According to a report of Super Radyo dzBB's Mark Makalalad, the tunnel boring machine can drill 300 to 500 cubic meters of earth and create a tunnel of up to 12 meters every day.

The other two tunnel boring machines are currently being used on the lines going to the Anonas and Ortigas stations.

Ikatlong tunnel boring machine sa Camp Aguinaldo Station ng Metro Manila Subway Project, inilunsad. | via @MMakalalad pic.twitter.com/o3z3cKLBwC

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) October 7, 2025

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the department is targeting to complete the Metro Manila Subway Project by 2032. 

The DOTr also targets to open partial operations at the Valenzuela and Quirino Stations by 2028.

According to Lopez, the DOTr is addressing some causes of delay, particularly right of way issues. 

The DOTr recently announced that as of September 30, the agency has already issued 32 compensation offers amounting to over P820 million to property owners within the posh Corinthian Gardens subdivision who will be affected by the subway project.

Broken ground in 2019, the Metro Manila Subway Project is the country's first underground railway system.

It is envisioned to have a total of 17 stations and a 30.34-hectare depot where the Philippine Railway Institute is located.

The project involves the construction of a 33-kilometer railway line that will connect Valenzuela City to Pasay City, with a spur line to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. — VDV, GMA Integrated News