A third tunnel boring machine (TBM) has begun drilling works for the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on October 7.

During the TBM launch at Camp Aguinaldo Station, Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the third TBM is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to fast-track the completion of the MMSP.

“Like what the President says, we need to fast-track the projects because mass transit is the key to resolve the problem of commuters,” Lopez said.

To date, the TBM is drilling at a pace of nine meters daily and is on track to reach Anonas Station in six months, with a parallel TBM to be launched in the next two months.

“Additional tunnel boring machines means lesser time to complete the project. The MMSP continues and the DOTr won’t stop working on these projects,” he said.

The third TBM is part of the MMSP Contract Package 103, with two TBMs having already excavated 1,000 meters from Camp Aguinaldo to Ortigas Station in Pasig City.

“The fourth TBM for Camp Aguinaldo station is already being assembled, while the whole MMSP line now has eight TBMs,” he said.

Once completed, the 33-kilometer, 17-station MMSP will run from Valenzuela City to Bicutan Station in Taguig City, with a spur line to Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City.

The MMSP is expected to have a daily ridership of 519,000 once fully operational in 2032 and will be interoperable with the North South Commuter Railway through the Food Terminal Inc. and Bicutan stations.

The subway is expected to cut travel time from Valenzuela to Pasay to 45 minutes from the current one-hour and 38-minute drive.