The MRT-4 will feature a monorail design, to be fully operational by 2028

The Metro Rail Transit Line 4 (MRT-4) will be a monorail project that could be fully operational by 2028. That's according to the Department of Transport (DOTr), which bared its initial plans for the new railway system last Friday.

During a media presentation, the DOTr disclosed its intentions to build the P58.9-billion railway project. The DOTr has partnered with Spain-based IDOM Consulting Engineering, Architecture SA, the firm behind successful monorails in Ireland and Vietnam. The Spanish agency will handle design and engineering for the project, while the Asian Development Bank will provide funding.

Monorail systems are not yet present in the Philippines. There have been several planned or proposed projects, but none have come to fruition. The latest proposal was from SM Prime Holdings, which has offered to build an integrated monorail in Pasay City.

A monorail system differs from traditional designs in that it is composed of a single rail that takes up less vertical and horizontal space. The more compact form factor of the monorail design could make the MRT-4's design and construction simpler. More than that, right-of-way issues could be less of a problem than previous railway projects.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade has stated that construction could begin by 2024 and end in 2027. Upon completion, the MRT-4 would service up to 4,500 passengers during peak hours and over 2,600 passengers during off-peak hours. The project would also cut travel time from Quezon City to Rizal Province to 27 minutes. 

According to the DOTr, the planned MRT-4 stations are N. Domingo, Bonny Serrano, Greenhills, EDSA, Manila Electric Co., Tiendesitas, Rosario, St. Joseph, Cainta, San Juan, Tikling Junction, North Manila Road, and Taytay.

With this latest project, Filipinos could have an additional transportation option before the end of the decade. Residents in the northern and eastern portion of Metro Manila stand to benefit the most from the MRT-4 project. It is hoped that the railway can alleviate traffic from other parts of the metro as well.