Korean rail operator tapped to prepare MRT-7 operations

MANILA, Philippines — Food-to-infrastructure giant San Miguel Corp. (SMC) has signed the services of South Korea’s national rail operator to prepare the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) for its opening slated in 2026.

SMC yesterday signed the operations and maintenance services agreement with Korea Railroad Corp. (Korail) to gear up the MRT-7 for opening next year.

The deal mandates Korail to provide advisory services to SMC in setting up the core operations, maintenance programs and safety systems of the MRT-7, which is finally close to completion.

SMC chairman and CEO Ramon Ang said the engagement with Korail will begin in July. Korail will focus on completing the pre-operational requirements of MRT-7 in the first 12 months of its service to SMC.

Afterward, Korail will stay on as the technical adviser of SMC in operating and maintaining the railway. Korail will also share best practices in managing South Korea’s rail network, including the high-speed train KTX, to support SMC in running MRT-7.

SMC is eyeing to open MRT-7 by 2026, a decade after construction began in 2016, after facing right of way issues, particularly in the Bulacan segment.

“This (signing of Korail) is a critical step as we move closer to delivering MRT-7 to the public, as we have faced delays – mostly due to right of way issues – but we have stayed focused,” Ang said.

“With all trains expected to be running and tested by the end of this year, and the full operations targeted for 2026, this partnership with Korail brings us closer to our goal,” he added.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said he wants MRT-7 delivered as soon as possible to address the plight of commuters in the northern segment of Mega Manila. MRT-7 sits in the center of Commonwealth Avenue, one of the busiest roads in the metro.

“We prioritize passengers and we focus on the plight of the commuters. We are ensuring that an infrastructure or a transport project, such as this railway system, is not only safe and efficient, but will also provide comfort to commuters and lessen their travel time,” Dizon said.

MRT-7 will span about 22 kilometers, with 14 stations located from North Avenue, Quezon City to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

The railway, costing P68.2 billion, is expected to transport as many as 800,000 passengers daily. It is one of the most interconnected rails in Metro Manila, as it is linked to the Unified Grand Central Station that loops to the Light Rail Transit Line 1 and the Metro Rail Transit Line 3.