Work under the first phase of the Metro Manila Subway project in the Philippines is facing delays due to land acquisition issues. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is considering land expropriation to expedite the process. The agency has acquired 90 per cent of the land required to develop the project’s depot in Valenzuela City as well as station areas under the first contract package.

Although the DOTr is aiming to complete works under phase one by 2028, it is expected that due to delays, passenger service will realistically commence in 2030.

The 33-km-long Metro Manila Subway will be the Philippines’ first entirely underground rail network and will connect the Valenzuela Depot to Pasay City’s NAIA Terminal 3 and the FTI station.