San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has confirmed that trains for the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT7) will start test runs by the end of 2025, with full operations expected by 2026 in the Philippines. MRT7 is a 22 km elevated line connecting North Avenue in Quezon City to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan via Commonwealth Avenue, with 14 stations planned.
The update follows SMC’s signing of an operations and maintenance (O&M) agreement with Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL). The agreement, implemented through SMC MRT-7 Corporation, provides for KORAIL’s support in launching core systems, safety protocols, and technical operations starting July 2025. KORAIL will also offer long-term guidance and knowledge transfer.
Despite past right-of-way delays, SMC Chairman Ramon Ang emphasised that the project remains on track. The MRT7, launched in 2016 as a PPP between the DOTC and SMC, had initial train sets installed by Hyundai Rotem beginning in 2021.
