Manila, March 27 -- The construction of the Metro Manila Subway Project Phase 1 (MMSP 1) is "on track" to its target completion, said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Friday.

DOTr Undersecretary Timothy John Batan said the agency is targeting to mount a demo run by the first quarter of 2028, with full passenger operations already expected in 2031.

"With our subway, we are looking at five tranches (of Japanese loans). Of course, based on our latest program, we are on track," he said in an interview after the signing of the 4th tranche of Japanese loan for MMSP 1 at the Department of Foreign Affairs.

"If you heard, 10 tunnel boring machines are running right now on a daily basis. Almost all of our contracts have been awarded an...