6 New PNR Diesel Railcars from Indonesia Start Operations; More Trips Expected on Metro Line

Passengers on the Philippine National Railways (PNR) metro line can expect to enjoy more trips as six brand new Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) railcars from Indonesia started operations today, 16 December 2019.

The PNR’s metro line runs from Tutuban in Manila to Los Baños in Laguna.

The six brand-new DMU train cars, manufactured by the Indonesian firm PT-INKA, form two train sets of three railcars each, that are expected to add 18 to 20 more trips per day on its assigned routes from Tutuban (Manila) to FTI (Taguig City) and from Malabon to FTI.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade and PNR General Manager Junn Magno led the launch of the new train sets in a ceremony earlier today at the PNR Dela Rosa Station in Makati City.

The two train sets aim to accommodate 13,500 additional passengers daily, bringing the total capacity of PNR from 60,000 to 73,500 passengers per day.

Each of the new railcars can carry 250 passengers. A total of 750 passengers can be accommodated in the three railcars per trip.

“This is the manifestation of all our hard work and the start of the transformation of Philippine railways. And this is the reflection of the leadership this country have today, starting with the President, with our [Transportation] Secretary and the people behind this success,” Magno said in his opening remarks.

Magno also noted that the arrival of the two train sets was ahead of the original schedule, which is February 2020.

DOTr Secretary Tugade, for his part, commended the PNR for actively working on the improvement of operations and services. The transportation chief noted that through the efforts of PNR, the number of operating stations have increased to 37 from only 14 when he assumed office in 2016.

“Today, we are gathered here not only to take a ride on the train, but also to celebrate the transformation that is coming up and coming in, in so far as the PNR is concerned. Today, let’s celebrate the transformation,” Secretary Tugade said.

Meanwhile, House Committee on Transportation Chairman Rep. Edgar Sarmiento, who also graced the ceremony, urged the public to cooperate with the government in taking care of the country’s railway assets.

“Paminsan po dumadaan po ng train, binabato natin, tinatapunan ng basura. Ang pakiusap ko po, ‘wag naman sana. Ito po’y mahalin natin kasi sarili po natin ito. Wala pong magmamahal [dito] kundi tayong mga Pilipino,” Sarmiento said.

Last year, the DOTr, through the PNR, signed a deal with PT INKA for the purchase of new railcars and locomotives. This is the first batch out of the 37 railcars and three locomotives to be delivered to the country.

The remaining railcars will be delivered by batches in 2020.

Once all these new train sets are operational, the PNR targets to serve a total of 140,000 passengers per day — at least double the current capacity of 48,000 to 60,000 passengers daily. (DOTR PR)