MRT 4 project targeted for completion in 2025

MANILA, Philippines — A new 15.6-kilometer rapid transit line to link eastern Metro Manila—one of the least serviced corridors in the National Capital Region in terms of public transportation—has been greenlit by the country’s economic advisers, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said.

Targeted to be operational by 2025, the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 4 was approved by the Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee in its Dec. 20 meeting. Once completed, the MRT 4 will link Quezon City, San Juan, Mandaluyong and Pasig with the neighboring municipalities of Cainta and Taytay in Rizal province, the DOTr said in a statement.

It will also become the second railway servicing Rizal province after the extension of the Light Rail Transit 2 to Masinag.The proposed transit line to be constructed from 2021 to 2025 is expected to cost around P59.3 billion. It will be funded by official development assistance from the Asian Development Bank.

Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade said the project would greatly help connect the eastern metropolis to the province of Rizal, and address worsening traffic conditions in the area.

According to the Public-Private Partnership Center, the transit line’s right-of-way alignment runs across the Ortigas Business District, known for its lack of public and mass transport options.

“Considering how densely populated these areas are, which is made more difficult by the lack of road capacities and ever-worsening traffic conditions, the MRT 4 will be of great help in moving commuters,” Tugade said.