MRT-7 Targets Full Operations by 2026

(SPOT.ph) The long-delayed MRT-7 project is finally gearing up for full operations by next year, following a fresh agreement signed between San Miguel Corporation and Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) to smooth out the transition from construction to actual rail service.

Under a new operations and maintenance agreement, KORAIL—the national rail operator in South Korea—will take the lead in finalizing core systems, setting up safety protocols, and guiding maintenance programs for MRT-7.

All trains of the MRT-7 are expected to undergo testing starting in July, with the first six to 12 months focused on “completing pre-operational requirements and stabilizing key systems.” Full operations are being eyed for 2026.

Although previous delays have pushed back the project’s timeline (it was originally intended for completion in 2019), both SMC and the Department of Transportation said progress has been steady in recent months.

“This is another important step forward for MRT-7. Like many major infrastructure projects, it faced delays—mostly due to right-of-way issues—but we kept pushing ahead with the support of the Department of Transportation and our partners on the ground. By the end of this year, all trains will be tested and running,” SMC President Ramon Ang said in a statement.

Also read: MRT-7 Faces More Delay Amid Right-of-Way Issues—What Now?

What to expect from MRT-7

The MRT-7 is an entirely new train line that will connect Quezon City to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. There will be a total of 14 stations spanning around 23 kilometers. Once fully operational, MRT-7 is expected to cut travel time between these two locations from two hours to 35 minutes.

Here are the 14 stations of the MRT-7:

• North Avenue
• Quezon Memorial Circle
• University Avenue
• Tandang Sora
• Don Antonio
• Batasan
• Manggahan
• Dona Carmen
• Regalado
• Mindanao Avenue
• Quirino Avenue
• Sacred Heart
• Tala
• San Jose del Monte

The MRT-7 will also link up with several other train lines at the Common Station in Quezon City in what is called the Unified Grand Central Station. This grand terminal will connect a total of four train lines: the LRT-1, MRT-3, and eventually, the MRT-7 and the Metro Manila Subway.

Also read: LOOK: MRT-7 Tunnels Already Visible Along Commonwealth