DOTr extends Sumitomo deal to keep MRT-3 on track

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has renewed its partnership with Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation for another two years to rehabilitate and maintain the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3).

DOTr said the extension is aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure efficient and sustainable rail operations. The agreement was signed by DOTr Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez and Sumitomo corporate officer Takeshi Noguchi, covering both rehabilitation and maintenance work.

“This assures commuters of efficient and convenient rail services, fewer glitches, and shorter travel time,” the DOTr said, adding that the agreement still awaits final approval from both governments.

Lopez thanked the Japanese government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for their continued support. “With Sumitomo, JICA and the Government of Japan by our side, we look forward to ensuring that MRT-3 continues to provide safe, reliable and efficient service to our Filipino commuters,” he said.

Since Sumitomo took over in 2019, MRT-3 has improved dramatically—boosting operational trains from just seven in 2018 to 22 by 2022, enabling the deployment of up to 20 train sets during peak hours.