PNR will make another chapter in its history as it signs the contract for the procurement of trains standard gauge Diesel Multiple Units with CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co. Ltd. It is another first for PNR to procure the long haul trains from the Government coffer.
PNR has always been known for its long haul service the Penafrancia Express and the Bicol Express but it uses the donated passenger coaches from Japan to serve the Manila to Legazpi service. It used to cover 479 kilometers of service from Manila to Bicol. The last operation was in 2014. It stopped operation because of the right of way challenges, and lack of trains.
The new trainsets will also be used for the long haul service from Calamba to Naga initially and eventually to Legazpi City in Region 5. The project consists of 3 train sets of 3 car formation and which was bid out publicly on 23 October 2019. The contract duration is 22 months from notice to proceed. The contract price is Php 921,000,000. The train will be in standard gauge or 1435mm with a maximum speed of 120 km/h. There would be 3 types of accommodation, business class, first-class, and second class accommodations. It has 36 seats for business class, 52 seats for first class, and 80 seats for second class for a total of 168 passenger seat capacity.
The contract signing today is part of the transformation strategy of PNR through increasing its coverage, capacity, and reliability. It is also part of the transformation from narrow gauge to standard gauge.
The event will be participated by the DOTR Secretary Arthur Tugade, DOTR Officials, the PNR Board, the PNR Management Team, and Officials of CRRC ZELC. The event will be done at Pandanggo Hall of Manila Hotel.
