PNR signs contract to acquire 2 new train sets from Indonesia

January 22, 2018

The Philippine National Railways (PNR) on Monday signed a P485.3 million contract for the purchase of two train sets from an Indonesian government-owned company, PT. Industri Kereta Api (PT INKA).

The signing of the contract between PNR General Manager Junn Magno and PT INKA President/Director Budi Noviantoro was witnessed by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade, and other PNR, PT INKA executives and officials from the Indonesian embassy, after a meeting at the PNR boardroom in Manila.

“I hope this project will grow and blossom into other projects in our desire to expand the country railways system from what it is today-- 77 kilometers. We hope that during the term of President Duterte, we can finish 1,900 kilometers railway system,”  Tugade said.

With the purchase of the two new trainsets, this would be the first in 40 years that PNR organically procured its trains since most are donated cars or part of national loan packages.

With 21 train sets, the PNR is running with six sets active. The PNR is expecting to have 10 sets by first week of February,

“It’s been almost 40 years that PNR organically procured its own trainsets that is not donated nor part of a loan package. This is a reflection of Sec. Tugade’s leadership in the railways sector,” Magno said.

The two new DMU trains are part of the reliability and availability program of the PNR.

The DMU project is funded from the 2015 DOTr-GAA funds which was downloaded to PNR. It was approved by the PNR Board headed by Chairman Roberto Lastimoso. It has also undergone public bidding in compliance with Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement and Reform Act.

The DMU trains are expected to be delivered in the Philippines on the 3rd quarter of 2019 for commissioning and testing. DMS