Project Profile: Manila Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 7

The Manila Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 7 is a critical rapid transit infrastructure project designed to enhance urban mobility and stimulate economic growth by connecting North Avenue in Quezon City to San Jose del Monte in Bulacan. This 23-kilometer elevated railway is engineered to significantly reduce traffic congestion along one of Metro Manila’s most populated corridors. As a comprehensive public-private partnership, the project integrates advanced rolling stock, modern signaling, and a multi-modal transport network, setting a new standard for commuter rail in the Philippines.

Project Fact Sheet

Technical Specifications

The MRT Line 7 is engineered as a predominantly elevated structure, minimizing its ground-level footprint along the congested Commonwealth Avenue corridor. The line will feature 14 modern stations, beginning with a common station link at North Avenue and terminating at an intermodal transport hub in San Jose del Monte. This terminal is designed to integrate the railway with buses, jeepneys, and other public utility vehicles, creating a seamless transit experience for commuters.

The system will be operated using a fleet of 108 rail cars, configured into 36 three-car trainsets, manufactured by South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem. These modern electric multiple units (EMUs) are equipped for high-capacity service, enhancing passenger comfort and operational efficiency. The project also incorporates a significant civil works component beyond the railway itself: a 22-kilometer, six-lane asphalt highway connecting the San Jose del Monte station to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx), further amplifying the project’s decongestive impact.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Decongestion and Connectivity: The primary objective is to alleviate severe traffic on Commonwealth Avenue, reducing the typical 3.5-hour road journey between Quezon City and Bulacan to approximately one hour by rail.
• Integrated Multi-Modal Transport System: MRT Line 7 is more than a rail line; its design includes an intermodal terminal and a new 22-km highway, establishing a comprehensive transportation hub that improves regional accessibility.
• Benchmark for Public-Private Partnerships: The project’s financing and execution under a BGTOM agreement with San Miguel Corporation serves as a successful model for future large-scale infrastructure development in the Philippines, leveraging private sector capital and expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the MRT Line 7 be fully operational?

The MRT Line 7 is projected to commence full commercial operations in the first quarter of 2026. As of late 2025, the project is in the advanced stages of construction, with system-wide testing and commissioning activities underway to ensure safety and operational readiness.

Who is building the MRT Line 7?

The project is a public-private partnership between the Philippine Department of Transportation (DOTr) and concession holder San Miguel Corporation (SMC). The construction is being executed by a consortium of key contractors, including EEI Corporation for civil works and Hyundai Rotem Company for the provision of rolling stock, signaling, and electromechanical systems.