MRT-7 Project on Course for 2025 Completion, DOTr Reports

QUEZON CITY — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) is now 63.28 percent complete, with operations slated to begin in November 2025. The project’s current status was shared in a recent update by the department.

According to Philippines News Agency, the MRT-7’s construction progress has been steady, and workforce training is actively underway. The 22-kilometer rail line, featuring 14 stations, will create a vital link between Quezon City and San Jose del Monte, Bulacan province. This infrastructure is projected to dramatically decrease travel time for commuters, cutting down what is currently a two-hour drive to a 35-minute train journey.

During the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Cesar Chavez emphasized Japan’s significant contribution to the Philippine Rail Institute (PRI), particularly in training a “critical mass” of engineers, technicians, and operators for the MRT-7. The expertise shared by Japanese professors and the donation of a train simulator room were especially noted with gratitude.

The Japanese leader had the opportunity to engage with the train simulator and observe the Japan-made tunnel-boring machine at the Metro Manila Subway depot. Japan’s role extends beyond training; the country has also provided considerable financial support for Philippine transport infrastructure, with nine significant projects totaling 1.315 trillion Japanese yen in official development assistance.